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Published on: October 6, 2018
The enteritis complex in domestic rabbits: A field study
The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Common causes of rabbit enteritis include coccidia (Eimeria species) and bacteria like Escherichia coli and Clostridium. Often, multiple pathogens contribute to rabbit enteritis, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Pathology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Enteritis is a significant health concern in domestic rabbits.
- Identifying causative agents is crucial for effective disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agents of enteritis in domestic rabbits.
- To determine the frequency and co-occurrence of pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Microbiological and histopathological examination of samples from 44 rabbit accessions.
- Serological survey for rotavirus antibodies in 200 fryer rabbits.
Main Results:
- The most frequent agents were coccidia (Eimeria spp.), Escherichia coli, Clostridium spp., Salmonella, Bacillus piliformis, and rotavirus.
- Only one E. coli strain (O15) was identified; Clostridium was found in 11 cases.
- Over 50% of surveyed rabbits showed rotavirus antibodies, indicating widespread infection.
- Multiple potentially pathogenic organisms were often identified concurrently.
Conclusions:
- Enteritis in domestic rabbits is multifactorial, involving various protozoan, bacterial, and viral agents.
- Co-infections with multiple pathogens are common and likely contribute to disease severity.
- Effective control strategies must address the diverse and often combined etiological agents.
