Pasteurella is commonly known as snuffles in rabbits due to its primary symptom of a runny nose. As many of 85% of rabbits carry the bacteria...
Description
Pasteurella is commonly known as "snuffles" in rabbits due to its primary symptom of a runny nose. A very high percentage of rabbits (as much as 85%) carry the bacteria Pasteurella Multocida in their nasal passages without exhibiting any signs of illness and may never develop problems. However, when triggered by stress or other illness the disease can become potentially life threatening.
Symptoms
- sneezing
- a thick discharge from the nose
- a red, sore looking nose
- difficulty breathing
- runny eyes
Prevention / Treatment
Good hygiene, diet, comfortable surroundings and avoidance of stress is the best prevention.
Infected rabbits are highly contagious so must be isolated. Treatment is difficult, with antibiotics having some palliative effect but not curing the disease.
Related
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Eye infections (runny eyes)
Runny eyes (epiphora) is fairly common in rabbits and has a variety of causes... - read more
