THE ENTERITIS COMPLEX IN DOMESTIC RABBITS - A FIELD-STUDY

A study of the causative agents of enteritis in domestic rabbits from 44 different accessions is described. In descending order of frequency , the organisms most commonly demonstrated were intestinal and hepatic coccidia (Eimeria species), Escherichia coli, Clostridium spp., Salmo nella, Bacillus piliformis, and rotavirus. The species of Eimeria iden tified included those moderately pathogenic and coccidia of low pathog enicity. Using seven antisera against known enterpathogenic strains of E. coli, only one strain, O15, was identified in three cases. Clostri dium perfringens or C. spiroforme was demonstrated in the intestinal c ontents in 11 cases, and lesions compatible with clostridial enteropat hy were identified on gross and histopathology. In a serological surve y, over 50% of 200 fryer rabbits submitted to Ontario abattoirs and of animals from commercial rabbitries had detectable antibody to rotavir us, indicating the widespread distribution of rotaviral infections in this species. In the cases of enteritis studied, two or more potential ly pathogenic organisms were frequently identified, emphasizing that s everal different organisms may be acting in concert to produce clinica l disease.