How contagious is Pasteurella in rabbits?

Even infections that are treated early may become chronic and require long-term treatment. Pasteurella infection is quite contagious and can be difficult to control, so it is important to do all that you can to prevent an active infection and to obtain immediate veterinary care if your rabbit does display symptoms.

Is Pasteurella contagious?

Also note and discuss with your veterinarian any new signs, changes in behavior, or lumps on the rabbit’s body. Transmission of Pasteurella from an infected rabbit is often through direct contact with nasal secretions, including transmission through the air when the infected rabbit sneezes.

Is Pasteurella in rabbits contagious to humans?

Humans that handle infected rabbits should wash their hands and clothes before handling healthy rabbits. “Pasteurella multocida, as with most bacteria, is contagious to man, but usually requires a skin break such as a bite or a wound to enter the system,” says Heatley.

What to do if your rabbit has a Pasteurella infection?

Even infections that are treated early may become chronic and require long-term treatment. Pasteurella infection is quite contagious and can be difficult to control, so it is important to do all that you can to prevent an active infection and to obtain immediate veterinary care if your rabbit does display symptoms.

How is Pasteurella multocida transmitted to rabbits?

It is highly contagious and transmitted primarily by direct contact, although aerosol transmission may also occur. The etiologic agent is Pasteurella multocida, a gram-negative, nonmotile coccobacillus. In conventional colonies, 30%–90% of apparently healthy rabbits may be asymptomatic carriers.

How can you tell if a bunny has Pasteurella?

Some strains will reside in the nasal tract of rabbits but do not cause any problems until the bunny is stressed or until the bunny’s immune system is compromised in some way. Signs and symptoms of pasteurella infection (pasteurellosis) usually involve the upper respiratory tract.

What kind of disease does a rabbit have?

Pasteurella in rabbits, also referred to as snuffles in rabbits, is an infectious and contagious disease. This infection has numerous clinical variants and can affect various organs in a rabbit’s body.