Mucoid enteropathy/epizootic rabbit enteropathy in two species of cottontail rabbits: four recent cases

Gabriele Paul; Daniel Friend

doi:10.53607/wrb.v41.260

Authors

Gabriele Paul Colorado Wild Rabbit Foundation
Daniel G. Friend Colorado Wild Rabbit Foundation

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53607/wrb.v41.260

Keywords:

captive rearing, emerging disease surveillance, rabbit diseases, wildlife rehabilitation

Abstract

Mucoid enteropathy/epizootic rabbit enteropathy is a disease of domestic European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that has been recognized for nearly 50 years but is still not well understood. Morbidity and mortality are high and can lead to large losses in domestic rabbit production facilities. Recently, the Colorado Wild Rabbit Foundation identified four cases with similar presentations in two species of cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.) undergoing rehabilitation (2020–2022). Clinical signs, gross pathology, and histopathology findings were consistent with what has been described in domestic rabbits.

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