Epizootic Rabbit Enterocolitis

Also known as Rabbit Epizootic Enterocolitis (REE)

Introduction

Epizootic rabbit enterocolitis (ERE) first arose in commercial rabbitries in western France at the end of 1996. It can now be found in the rest of France as well as Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands. It has not been reported in pet nor wild rabbits except juvenile wild rabbits reared in captivity. ERE usually affects animals between the ages of 6 and 14 weeks but has been seen in older animals. The mortality rate is high: 30-80%.

Clinical signs

• distension of the abdomen due to distension the gastrointestinal tract, including stomach
• mild watery diarrhoea; the abdominal enlargement is due to bloating of all segments of the gastrointestinal tract including the stomach
• lethargy, reduced appetite, borborygmi, occasionally passage of mucus from the rectum (as with CME)

Necropsy findings

• liquid contents in stomach and intestines.
• no inflammation
• evidence of reduced gut movements (as with CME)

Aetiology

It is transmitted rapidly by direct contact between rabbits but is also spread via contaminated drinking water or feed. So far no agent has been identified but changes have been seen in the intestines similar to those seen in viral diseases of other animals. The infectious agent can survive if kept at -20°C for several months.

Therapy

Very few antibiotics have proved to be successful; reports of beneficial effects of tiamulin, bacitracin and tylosin (with or without apramycin) may be of benefit. An anti-coccidial drug in combination with an antibiotic may be useful (coccidia sometimes seen).

Control

• strict hygiene
• restricting feed to 80% of ad libitum provisions
• breed rabbits with a natural immunity to the disease