Rabbit Snuffles

This disease was at one time very prevalent, but is now much less frequently encountered. It is caused by several species ofbacteria (but mainly by one) of the pasteurella group. Themain symptom is a thick, sticky white discharge from the nose,which the animal wipes away with its forelegs. The fur onthe inside of the legs becomes matted as a consequence. Thereis also constant sneezing. The condition should not be confusedwith a cold (where the discharge is usually thin and clear) orfrom temporary irritation due to dust or dry foods (where thesneezing is temporary). The duration of the disease is veryvariable, some cases appearing to clear up very quickly, whilstothers appear to be chronic.

Snuffles is rarely fatal, although quite often an animalsuffering from the trouble will develop a secondary infectionof pneumonia, pleurisy, or hemorrhagic septicaemia.
Poor nutrition is definitely a predisposing factor, vitamin Adeficiency probably being the most important. Bad ventilationassists the spread of the disease, which may be very rapid.Animals which have apparently recovered are often carriersand spread the disease to other stock. Prevention thereforelies in good nutrition, good ventilation, and the elimination ofall animals affected. There is unfortunately no satisfactorytreatment available, although injections of penicillin have beenclaimed to effect a cure.