Not all rabbits with P. multocida get sick. P. multocida is still the most common cause of respiratory disease, primarily rhinitis, in rabbits. Some P. multocida strains are more virulent than others, but most clinical laboratories cannot differentiate strains. Chronic infection and disease can occur in areas of the body inaccessible to culture. Hidden infections sometimes may be detected by radiology, or serology.
Some rabbits are able to resist or clear mild infection without treatment.
Rabbits with disease due to P. multocida infection should be treated with appropriate antibiotics. Some rabbits with chronic infections or deep abscesses may not improve but be stabilized with antibiotics. Many owners are willing to use antibiotics on a long term basis. Natural history of infection with Pasteurella multocida in rabbits. DiGiacomo, R.F., Xu, Y.M., Allen, V., Hinton, M.H., Pearson, G.R. 1991.