Rabbit Necrobacillosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Preventio

Section 1: Symptoms of Rabbit Necrobacillosis

The primary source of transmission for rabbit necrobacillosis is contaminated items with secretions and excreta from infected rabbits. The disease is primarily transmitted through damaged skin, oral, or gastrointestinal mucosa in rabbits. Necrobacillosis is often sporadic in rabbits, with only a few cases showing endemic or epidemic outbreaks. Young rabbits are more susceptible to this disease compared to adult rabbits.

Infected rabbits may experience difficulty eating, a gradual loss of appetite, excessive drooling, and the formation of hard nodules on the lips, oral mucosa, and gums. These nodules eventually necrotize and ulcerate, emitting a foul odor. Other areas such as the head, chest, and joints of the limbs may also develop abscesses and ulcers, followed by suppurative and necrotic lesions beneath the skin. Lesions may break open, releasing smelly secretions. The course of the disease can last for several weeks or even months, and infected rabbits often succumb to exhaustion.

Section 2: Diagnostic Methods for Rabbit Necrobacillosis

Rabbit necrobacillosis is generally diagnosed based on the symptoms, lesions, and results of pathogen tests in the infected rabbits. However, it is important to differentiate it from other diseases such as suppurative inflammation and stomatitis in rabbits. Here are some examples:

1. Staphylococcal disease: The characteristic feature of this disease is the formation of cystic abscesses, which usually appear in the subcutaneous tissue or muscles. The local skin does not typically show necrosis and ulceration, and the pus secreted does not have a foul smell.

2. Pseudomonas aeruginosa disease: This disease primarily manifests as abscesses in the internal organs and subcutaneous tissue of the infected rabbits. The abscesses are often pale green or brown and have a fragrant odor.

3. Contagious vesicular stomatitis: Although infected rabbits may also exhibit symptoms such as drooling and stomatitis, the oral mucosal lesions in this disease are typically vesicles, erosions, and ulcers. Other tissues and organs of the rabbits generally do not show lesions.

Section 3: Prevention Methods

Prevent the presence of sharp items like iron wires in rabbit cages and objects that can cause skin damage. Avoid rabbits fighting with each other, and if a rabbit sustains an injury, apply 5% iodine tincture promptly and maintain proper care. Keep the rabbit shed clean and dry.

Dr. Oxygen Pet温馨提示: By maintaining a clean and hygienic environment in the rabbit shed and cage, ensuring smooth and even surfaces without sharp objects, and preventing skin damage in rabbits, you can effectively avoid rabbit necrobacillosis. We hope that rabbit owners will pay more attention to these precautions.