INFECTIOUS AGENTS ASSOCIATED WITH DIARRHEA IN COMMERCIAL RABBITS - A FIELD-STUDY

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 15  (3) , 335-340
Abstract
Over 9 mo. the occurrence of parasites, bacteria and viruses was examined in diarrheic rabbits from 21 commercial rabbitries and related with clinical signs and gross and microscopic lesions. Infectious disease agents were found in 71.5% of the animals. Escherichia coli (ATEC) were attached to the luminal intestinal border of 40% of the rabbits examined. This was associated with moderate to high mortality, cecal edema, severe swelling of mesenteric lymph nodes and high numbers of colibacilli attached to the epithelium of ileum, cecum and colon. Rotaviruses were detected in 35.4% of the animals. Disease associated with pure rota infection was usually mild and predominantly affected the small intestine. A coronavirus associated with ATEC was established in 1 rabbitry and coccidia were present in 18.5% of the animals. Multiple gents were found in 18.5% of the animals.