Which organism is the causative agent of snuffles in rabbits?

Which organism is the causative agent of snuffles in rabbits?

• A. Pasteurella multocida
• B. Bordetella bronchiseptica
• C. Staphylococcus aureus
• D. Escherichia coli

Answer: (A)

Snuffles in rabbits is most commonly caused by Pasteurella multocida. This Gram-negative bacterium frequently colonizes the rabbit’s nasal passages and sinuses, leading to chronic rhinitis characterized by nasal discharge, sneezing, and the telltical snuffling. It’s highly contagious and can spread between rabbits through direct contact or aerosols, and carriers can shed the bacteria even without obvious signs. Beyond the nasal involvement, Pasteurella multocida can cause otitis and pneumonia, reflecting its ability to affect multiple sites in the respiratory tract. While other organisms like Bordetella bronchiseptica can contribute to rabbit respiratory disease, Pasteurella multocida is the classic and most widely recognized cause of snuffles, making it the best answer. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are less typically the primary culprits for this specific rabbit condition.

Snuffles in rabbits is most commonly caused by Pasteurella multocida. This Gram-negative bacterium frequently colonizes the rabbit’s nasal passages and sinuses, leading to chronic rhinitis characterized by nasal discharge, sneezing, and the telltical snuffling. It’s highly contagious and can spread between rabbits through direct contact or aerosols, and carriers can shed the bacteria even without obvious signs. Beyond the nasal involvement, Pasteurella multocida can cause otitis and pneumonia, reflecting its ability to affect multiple sites in the respiratory tract. While other organisms like Bordetella bronchiseptica can contribute to rabbit respiratory disease, Pasteurella multocida is the classic and most widely recognized cause of snuffles, making it the best answer. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are less typically the primary culprits for this specific rabbit condition.