Culture of nasal discharge, lesions, etc. Common non-pathogenic commensal organism in the respiratory system of laboratory rabbits. Historically was considered a cause or co-pathogen of respiratory disease. Normal flora of upper respiratory tract, eyes, and skin. Enzootic in some colonies.
Pathogens are usually coagulase positive and hemolytic.
Another classic cause of abbesses. Rabbit more susceptible to dissemination than other laboratory animals, may serve as an animal model. May see profuse diarrhea with dehydration and rapid death. Bundles of bacilli are seen in viable hepatocytes bordering necrotic areas. One of the most important causes of mortality in weanling rabbits.