In rabbits, genital infections with mucopurulent nasal and ocular discharge are most commonly associated with which disease?

• A. Mucoid enteropathy
• B. Pasteurellosis
• C. Coccidiosis
• D. Mycoplasmosis

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that mucopurulent discharge from the nose and eyes in rabbits is most characteristically caused by pasteurellosis, an infection with Pasteurella multocida. This bacterium commonly colonizes the upper respiratory tract and sinuses, producing a thick, cloudy, mucopurulent discharge that people often call “snuffles.” The infection can involve multiple mucous membranes, including conjunctiva and, in some cases, reproductive tissues, leading to genital discharge as part of the same disease process. Because pasteurellosis is by far the most frequent culprit behind these combined signs in rabbits, it’s the best fit.

Mucoid enteropathy mainly affects the gut with diarrhea and weight loss; coccidiosis is an intestinal protozoal disease; mycoplasmosis can cause respiratory signs but is not as classically linked to this particular pattern of nasal, ocular, and genital mucopurulent discharge.