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CONTRIBUTOR(S): Claire Speight, Jennifer Hamlin,

Adenovirus infection

Adenovirus infection

Because adenoviruses are rarely reported in rabbits, they’re not thought to be a major cause of gastrointestinal disease in rabbit. But, if the clinical signs fit, adenovirus infection may be on your vet’s differential diagnosis list.

Fluid therapy may be needed if your rabbit has to be treated for Adenovrius infection
©Stephen Hernandez-Divers & Maud Lafortune

What signs may infected rabbits show?

Profuse, liquid diarrhea (enteritis) with rapid dehydration and associated signs of anorexia, no normal fecal pellets being produced, collapse and sadly rapid death have been observed to be the clinical signs of an infection in rabbits.

How common is it?

Only one outbreak of the virus has been reported in rabbits. This outbreak occurred in young (6-8 week old) rabbits, on a rabbit farm in Hungary, which makes it an extremely rare and almost unheard of viral infection in rabbits.

What rabbits may be affected?

In the only reported outbreak, the rabbits were young. Young rabbits are far more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal disease from bacteria and viruses, as their cecal microflora is not as well established as in adult rabbits.

Can it spread between in-contact rabbits?

Yes!

The transmission of adenovirus is through direct contact from an infected rabbit.

Can it be treated?

There is no curative treatment for adenovirus, but supportive care can help ensure survival. Fluid therapy, assisted feeding, and antibiotics may be required.

The virus is thought to predispose to secondary bacterial infections, such as E. coli.

How can it be prevented?

As with the prevention of any infectious agent, strict hygiene is imperative and using a high strength and safe disinfectant in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance is important.

Ensure that rabbits are not kept in too close proximity to each other. Keeping rabbits in this way allows any disease to spread more easily, because they are sharing the same airspace.

Any contamination via the urine or fecal route must also be eliminated and shared areas of grazing must be discouraged.

If any rabbits show signs they must be isolated away from all other rabbits, and veterinary advice and treatment sought immediately.

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