Pasteurellosis

Many rabbit farms harbor Pasteurella multocida in their stock. Most rabbits that carry this disease show no symptoms.

Some have eye infections and enlarged lymph nodes of the head and neck.

A respiratory disease in rabbits, caused by these bacteria is called snuffles. Poultry also develop Pasteurellosis. In birds the disease is called hemorrhagic septicemia.

The bacteria is also carried in the mouth of many cats leading to contaminated cat bites. The most common form of Pasteurellosis in people is a skin and soft tissue infection at the site of a bite or scratch.

When people’s eyes are exposed to Pasteurella they may develop a severe eye infections. On rare occasions it will cause pneumonia.