Rabbit Snuffles Disease

Rabbit Snuffles Disease, its symptoms, causes and treatment

Symptoms of Snuffles Disease: Repeated sneezing with a fine mucous discharge from the nose. This may become velvety in form and in serious

Rabbit Snuffles Disease

cases cause crusting on the nose. A useful way of detecting snuffles is to look for wet or matted fur on the inside of front legs caused by continual nose wiping. Snuffles can develop into pneumonia if the infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract and lungs. It is a common disease of rabbits and is endemic in most rabbit sheds.

Causes of Snuffles Disease: Mainly bacteria called cause although can also Pasteurella multocida Staphylococcus spp be caused by. These bacteria spread in the air and by get in touch with with infected hands, equipment, cages or other rabbits. There is a lot a explicit strain of Pasteurella on each farm to which recently introduced rabbits will be more susceptible. These bacteria are endemic in the environment and stressed rabbits are more likely to succumb to infection.

Treatment of Snuffles Disease: Treatment to antibiotic treatment but it is doable to reduce the occurrence by the use of an effective antibiotic. In commercial meat rabbits it is regularly not economically feasible to treat rabbits and animals with rigorous snuffles are culled.

Prevention of Snuffles Disease: Sheds and cages should be kept as hygienic as possible. Good aeration is required to maintain air quality and reduce ammonia; however, care needs to be taken to keep away from direct drafts over the rabbits. Temperature range should be kept at a minimum between 18-24 degree C as changes in temperature can trigger trauma and out breaks of snuffles.