Pasteurella

Pasteurella ("Snuffles")

Snuffles is the common name for *Pasteurella multocida*, a respiratory bacterial infection in rabbits. It presents with thick white or yellow mucus and strained, raspy breathing. There are two forms: Acute and Chronic. Over 80% of rabbits are carriers, as the bacterium can survive in the environment.

Etiology (Cause)

• Caused by *Pasteurella multocida*, a Gram-negative bacterium
• Highly prevalent in domestic and wild rabbit populations
• Exists in two stages: Dormant Carrier and Active Infection
  • Dormant Carrier: No active symptoms; immune system suppresses bacterial activity
  • Active Infection: The rabbit becomes contagious and can develop Acute or Chronic disease

Clinical Signs

• Persistent nasal mucus
• Wet yellow-stained noses and paws
• Raspy or strained breathing
• Intermittent sneezing fits
• Sore hocks
• Lethargy and fatigue
• Signs of pain
• In chronic cases, lesions may develop on internal organs, and thick mucus may accumulate in body cavities

Treatment, Prevention, and Control

• There is no on-label treatment for Pasteurella in rabbits.*

• • Off-Label Treatments:**
• **Draxxin (Tulathromycin)**

 Appears most effective when administered at the first signs of sneezing or white mucus. Early intervention may eliminate infection within 72 hours. More trials are needed. Pilot study 2017:  
 [Efficacy of Tulathramycin in the Treatment of Respiratory Pasteurollosis in Rabbits, Edrees et al., 2017](https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Efficacy-of-Tulathramycin-in-the-Treatment-of-in-Edrees-Abdellatief/be26b70bdee671eb3a4b0723e1a4a32409aef421) DOI:10.17582/JOURNAL.AAVS/2017/5.12.477.485

• Barn trials showed ~95% effectiveness with a single dose; symptomatic rabbits received a second dose after 7 days for full clearance.

• **Baytril (Enrofloxacin)**

 Effective for early-onset cases in 2014 trials:  
 [Alternative treatment of serious and mild Pasteurella multocida infection in New Zealand White rabbits, Palócz et al., 2014](https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-014-0276-6)  

• **β-Glucans**

 Prophylactic oral administration can protect against naturally acquired infection and extend survival time under higher challenge doses.

• • Management Notes:**
• Acute infection can be survivable with therapeutic antibiotics, but rabbits remain contagious.
• Chronic infection progresses to internal organ involvement and is often terminal.
• Vaccination provides only variable protection; environmental control and early treatment are critical.

References

• [Pasteurellosis in Rabbits, ResearchGate, 2000](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235256769_Pasteurellosis_in_Rabbits)
• [Pathological findings in a fatal pet rabbit Pasteurellosis, ResearchGate, 2020](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341431114_Pathological_findings_in_a_fatal_pet_rabbit_Pasteurellosis)
• [Pathogenomics insights for understanding Pasteurella multocida adaptation, Hurtado et al., 2020](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1438422120300278)