Pasteurellosis in rabbits is caused by the bacteria Pasteurella multocida.  Pasteurella can be the cause of many different diseases since it infects a number of different organs. All most all rabbits carry Pasteurella with no signs of infection. When Pasteurella infects the nose and lungs, it may cause snuffles and/or pneumonia. Pasteurella infection of the middle ear causes wry neck, and my be cauese of weepy eyes. Pasteurella may infect the reproductive tract of either the doe or the buck, causing metritis (uterine infection) or orchitis. It may infect the mammary glands resulting in mastitis. Pasteurella is alsothe major organism causing abscesses anywhere in the body.


   Snuffles is probably the most common sign of Pasteurella infection. Rabbits do not get colds, so many mucopurulent nasal discharge is most likely due to Pasteurella infection, and may occur in conjunction with bordetella bornchiseptica, another bacteria. The fur on the inside of the front legs is offen matted, since rabbits will use their front legs to rub their face. Snuffles is extremely contagious, and every time the rabbit sneezes, bacteria spreads into the environment. Antibiotictherapy is usedto treat snuffles, but relapses may occur, especially during times of stress. Proper ventilation is very important  in controlling snuffles. Humidity and ammonia in the air increase the susceptibility of rabbits to snuffles.


   If nuffles goes untreated, pneumonia is offen the result. Pneumonia damages lung tissue, and reduces the amount of oxygen in the lungs. Rabbits with chronic pneumonia exhibit poor weight gains, rough hair coats, and generalunthriftiness.Sudden death may occur when rabbits with pneumonia are stressed by moving, or breeding, since their oxygen uptake is poor. Rabbits with pneumonia may have their heads tipped back and exhibit open-mouthed breathing.

   
   Pasteurella in the middle of ear causes wry neck. This affects the rabbit's equilibrium, so the head is tilted to one side. Treatment is not very effective. Weepy eyes may caused by Pasteurella multocida or Staphylococcus aureus. This condition usually occurs in young rabbits, but may be seen in older rabbits as well. Eye ointments containing chloramphenicol seem to work the best.


   The majority of abscesses occurring in the rabbit are due to Pasteurella multocida. Most abscesses stem from a cut or scratch that becomes infected with bacteria. Abscesses must be lanced, drained, and cleaned out. They must be kept open to promote continual drainage until the infection in under control. Otherwise, the abscess will recur. Rabbits should be put on antibiotics to help treat the infection.

  
   When Pasteurella infects the reproductive organs, pyometra or orchitis is the result. Metritis should be considered whenever the doe is receptive to the buck, yet no conception  takes place. The bacteria enters the uterus either during kindling, or from the semen of an infected male. Any type of yellow - white discharge from the doe's vent is an indication of metritis. However, with longstanding infections, no discharge may be observed. A doe with metritis may have an enlarged uterus on palpation. Metritis is very difficult to eliminate with antibiotics, and the doe may
have to be culled. Orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) is uncommon in the male rabbit, the buck should be examined often  for any enlargement of the testicles.