Pasteurella in Rabbits: Causes and Treatment Options

For rabbit vets, Pasteurellosis is their bread and butter. This bacterium can cause various medical issues in bunnies, including snuffles (respiratory disease), abscesses, conjunctivitis, and ear infections.

This article explores how Pasteurella can be spread, the symptoms it causes, and general advice for treatment and prevention. Stress and poor hygiene can play a role, and how rabbits are kept plays a big part here.

What is Pasteurella Multocida Bacteria?

This strain of bacteria can affect a wide range of animals. It can survive without oxygen (facultative anaerobic) and produce toxins and capsules to help invade its host better and make it unwell.

Why Are Rabbits Particularly Susceptible?

Interestingly, most rabbits have Pasteurella multocida in their respiratory tract, which is harmless. However, when rabbits become run down or stressed, it can multiply and cause signs of disease.

Pasteurella can be highly contagious and is easily spread from one rabbit to another. This is especially the case when the rabbits are kept in close quarters or in unhygienic conditions.

Another consideration is the rabbit’s anatomy. Rabbits have poor drainage in their upper respiratory tract and are not very good at clearing respiratory infections.

Common Misconceptions About the Disease

The biggest misconception owners seem to have is that if Pasteurella is present, the rabbit must be clinically unwell. The fact is, many rabbits will be asymptomatic carriers.

I also deal with many frustrated owners who expect the Pasteurella to clear once antibiotics have been given quickly. Frustratingly, many cases grumble along, and some rabbits will have resistant infections.

Causes of Pasteurella in Rabbits

So, how does a bunny become infected? Well, this bacterium has evolved to have various means of making a rabbit unwell.

Exposure to Infected Rabbits

Close contact, such as grooming, mating, or sneezing on one another, is a common way for Pasteurellosis to be spread.

The more crowded the rabbits are, the greater the risk of spreading the disease. In addition to direct contact from one to another, the bacteria can be present within the environment and may be picked up from contaminated bedding, for example.

Stress Factors Weakening Immune Systems

It may seem unusual that not every rabbit within the colony will become unwell. This is because those with weaker immune systems catch the infection, allowing it to proliferate. A robust immune system can effectively fight off Pasteurella.

Factors such as food scarcity and bad weather can be major contributors to disease outbreaks.

Poor Hygiene and Sanitation Practices

The less the rabbit’s enclosure is cleaned out, the more likely the bacteria are in high numbers.

This is especially true when there is poor ventilation, high humidity, and urine on bedding, leading to a larger concentration of ammonia in the air.

From the Doe

If the doe is infected now, pasteurellosis can be passed from her to her kits when she gives birth.

Common Symptoms and Signs

How Pasteurella infections present depends on the body system that they affect. When it is the respiratory infection, we’ll see the typical signs of snuffles (rhinitis), including:

• Sneezing and coughing
• Nasal and ocular discharge
• Noisy or laboured breathing
• Lethargy
• Reduced appetite
• Crusted or matted fur on the front of the paws due to ’nose wiping’

Ear infections present differently, and owners may notice signs such as a head tilt, trouble walking, and a loss of balance. For bunnies with localised abscesses, we will see firm lumps. These can be under the skin or even within the jaw.

Diagnosing Pasteurella Infection in Rabbits

It is not always straightforward to reach a diagnosis, and it would not be uncommon for vets to suspect Pasteurella, but not confirm it with testing. This can be due to financial constraints and an owner’s unwillingness to run tests.

A vet may diagnose presumptively based on the presenting signs and medical history. However, several conditions can mimic Pasteurella infections.

When we reach a definitive diagnosis, we usually do so by taking a nasal swab and performing a bacterial culture test and/or a PCR test of any discharge.

Treatment Options for Pasteurella in Rabbits

Treating Pasteurella infections can be problematic, and the therapy is not always guaranteed success.

Antibiotic Therapy

For most, antibiotics are the mainstay of therapy. The earlier antibiotics are started during the infection, the better. It is also important not to stop the therapy too soon, as this can lead to the development of resistant infections.

Enrofloxacin (Baytril) is usually the antibiotic of choice and is generally given for about 30 days. For those with pneumonia, antibiotics may be nebulised.

Supportive Care

Affected rabbits will also need some nursing and general care to help them through. We want to ensure their environment is clean and well-ventilated, and not overcrowded. The less stress they have to deal with, the better.

Nutrition is also key, as is providing quality hay or grass and some fresh fruit and veggies. Rabbits also need access to clean water at all times.

Depending on their symptoms, rabbits may benefit from steam therapy, probiotics, pain relief, and fluid support.

Surgical Intervention

Those with abscesses may require surgery to eliminate them. This is because they have thick walls, and the pus is very hard, meaning the abscess cannot be drained like in other animals.

Preventing Pasteurella Infections in Rabbits

While it is not always easy to prevent Pasteurella, there are several things owners can do to help keep their bunnies safe.

Regular Veterinary Check-Ups

Most rabbits should be seen about once a year to provide their routine vaccinations (against VHD and Myxomatosis).

However, if your rabbit is showing signs of becoming unwell or has developed a new chronic sneeze or discharge, they should be seen sooner.

Maintaining Clean and Hygienic Living Conditions

One of the best things is to ensure their environment and husbandry is top-notch. This means the right housing and diet and good cleaning practices. S

Soiled bedding must be removed regularly, and non-toxic cleaning sprays used. It is also advised to allow the living quarters to dry thoroughly before the rabbits are put back in.

Dust-free bedding is a good investment and won’t irritate the respiratory tract.

Isolation and Quarantine Protocols for New or Sick Rabbits

It also helps to isolate sick bunnies as soon as they show signs of disease to help prevent it from spreading within the herd.

Similarly, a new bunny should not be immediately introduced, as they could be carriers of the infection.

Reducing Stress

For a rabbit, stress is not paying their mortgage or work-related pressure; instead, it is living in improper conditions or a sense that they’re about to become prey.

It is essential never to house a bunny alone. This gives them the sense that they have been separated from their herd and are in danger. A rabbit who lives alone will be in a chronic state of distress.

Rabbits dislike being surprised and benefit from a calm and predictable environment. Many do not want to be handled, but for those who do, be sure that interactions with them are gentle and on their terms.

Importance of Early Intervention and Treatment

The sooner treatment is started during the disease, the higher the chance of success and the lower the likelihood of the rabbit becoming a chronic carrier of Pasteurella.

When to See a Vet

Seek vet care if your rabbit develops new signs like ongoing sneezing or a runny nose.

See an emergency vet immediately if your pet develops worrying symptoms such as laboured breathing, food refusal, or lethargy.

Learn More About Pasteurella in Rabbits

If you have any more questions, we will be happy to answer them. Contact us if you’re concerned about your rabbit or think it needs to be seen.

FAQs

Can humans catch Pasteurella from rabbits?

Yes, this is a well-known zoonotic infection associated with rabbits. It may be spread via bites or scratches, or the particles can be inhaled. People who are elderly or immune-suppressed are most at risk.

Is Pasteurella curable in rabbits?

Some rabbits can be cured, but others remain carriers. The best chance of recovery is to start antibiotics early and give the full course.

How long does it take for rabbits to recover from a Pasteurella infection?

Most will clear the infection within a month or so, but some will not for much longer. These carriers are an important source of infection for other rabbits.