Hepatic coccidiosis with concurrent infection of pasteurellosis in rabbits

Present communication reports an outbreak of hepatic coccidiosis along with concurrent infection of Pasteurella multocida in rabbits. A total of 15 out of 180 rabbits were died at rabbit farm. The affected rabbits were under weight, weak, anorectic, dehydrated and had respiratory distress before death. At necropsy, liver appeared enlarged along with whitish raised areas resembling abscess. Lungs were heavy, congested and pneumonic. Microscopic examination of exudates from hepatic nodules revealed numerous coccidian oocysts suggestive of E. stiedai. Histologically, section of liver revealed distension of bile duct, hyperplasia of epithelium along with numerous coccidial oocysts at centre. Lung showed edema with severe congestion and infiltration of heterophils and mononuclear cell infiltration in alveoli. Microbial investigation revealed P. multocida in lung tissue.