Rabbit snuff is a chronic, recurrent infectious disease of the respiratory tract caused by various bacterial pathogens. It can be fatal and, due to its high contagiousness, can lead to high losses in large rabbit populations.
The disease is usually caused by a mixed infection of various types of bacteria, but Pasteurella, Bordetella, and Streptococcus are considered the main pathogens responsible for rabbit snuff. The disease is also favored by poor housing conditions, weather changes, various stress factors, or feeding errors.
Since the pathogen is transmitted via droplet infection through the air or direct contact, animals kept in very close quarters (pet shops, breeding facilities, exhibitions) are much more likely to infect their fellow rabbits. However, humans can also transmit the pathogen from one animal to another by petting them. Animals whose immune systems are weakened by previous illnesses or are not yet fully developed due to their age are more susceptible to the disease. The bacterial strains are specific to rabbits and are therefore not contagious to other animal species.
Once infected, a rabbit remains a carrier for life, which can lead to recurrent outbreaks of the disease and infection of other rabbits.
Although the clinical picture can vary greatly depending on the pathogen involved and the animal's previous general condition, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, and fever are among the typical and characteristic symptoms. Affected animals usually show watery nasal discharge and increased sneezing at the onset. As the disease progresses, the discharge may become purulent and dry around the nostrils in the form of sticky crusts. Due to increased grooming, the fur on the inside of the front legs is often stuck together with purulent secretions. The eyes are reddened and the conjunctiva is partially inflamed and purulent. The animals show signs of general discomfort and fever. If the ears are affected, middle or inner ear inflammation develops, leading to head tilt, loss of appetite, and apathy. If the bronchi and lungs are already affected, the owner may notice distinct breathing sounds.
The attending veterinarian will be able to make a preliminary diagnosis based on your preliminary report and a thorough clinical examination. The signs of rabbit snuff are often very clear. However, to identify the exact pathogen, swabs should be taken from the nose or eyes and sent to a laboratory for examination. To further confirm the diagnosis, the veterinarian will perform a thorough examination of the upper and lower respiratory tract, which usually includes an X-ray of the lungs. A complete blood count provides the veterinarian with further important information about the type and extent of the inflammation.
The symptoms of rabbit snuff can be treated with antibiotics. However, due to the involvement of various pathogens, attention must be paid to possible resistance to specific antibiotics. Severely blocked nostrils or eyes are cleaned and rinsed by the veterinarian using a physiological saline solution. To support healing, various herbs, mucolytics, vitamins, and medications that stimulate the immune system can be administered. Inhaling warm salt water also promotes the healing process.
In addition to medication, it is essential to review and, if necessary, adjust the housing and feeding conditions to prevent recurrent infections. Due to the special anatomy of the rabbit's sinuses, it is rarely possible to completely eliminate the pathogen despite antibiotic treatment. The affected animals therefore remain contagious for life and can become ill again and again. However, efficient treatment and good management can enable the animals to enjoy long symptom-free periods with good general health.
The prognosis for recovery from rabbit snuff is highly dependent on the animal's immune status. An otherwise healthy rabbit has a good chance of making a full recovery if the infection is treated promptly, whereas a weakened or very young animal, which often also has bronchial and lung involvement, has a poorer prognosis and may well die from rabbit snuff.
Due to the widespread occurrence of various pathogens, rabbit snuff infections cannot be prevented.
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