Pasteurellosis: A significant bacterial disease in rabbit production

Rabbits are susceptible to various respiratory affections. Pasteurellosis, caused by P. multocida, is regarded as one of the most important bacterial diseases of rabbits. The disease is characterised by chronic mucopurulent respiratory affection (snuffles) or more acute and subacute bronchopneumonia leading to high mortality and severe devastating losses in rabbit production. Moreover, pasteurellosis is associated with septicaemia, abscesses, otitis media, and nervous and reproductive disorders. P. multocida is widely distributed worldwide and mostly affects rabbits from 4 to 8 weeks of life. Infection with P. multocida usually occurs by indirect or direct contact, chiefly via aerosol. Moreover, the presence of other stressors can aggravate the severity of infection. The gold standard for the diagnosis of pasteurellosis is traditional isolation and identification methods. However, molecular techniques are used now for rapid detection of P. multocida and its virulence genes. Prevention is based on the application of hygienic methods, vaccination, and treatment using various antimicrobials. This review article gives an overview of pasteurellosis in rabbits regarding disease incidence, susceptibility and transmission, signs and lesions, laboratory diagnosis, and the prevention and control methods.