Prevalenza di Staphylococcus aureus e dei suoi biotipi nell'allevamento del coniglio

Staphylococcus aureus and biotypes prevalence in rabbit herd breeding. A cross sectional study with a two-stage sampling was undertaken to estimate Staphylococcus aureus prevalence in intensive rabbitries. Eleven herd were selected and 60 does were systematically sampled inside reproductive units. Nose, ear, abdomen and interdigital skin swabs were collected from 660 does and data about productive and health herd parameters were interviewed. In 6 herds a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of lesions referred to staphylococcosis was associated to individual sampling. Results evidenced an inside herd mean prevalence of 81% (95%CI 78% - 84%). No statistically significant association was found between Staphylococcus aureus or his biotypes prevalence with productive parameters and lesions; the possibility that test and culling may affect the latter association is considered, while an information biases was suggested for the former lack of association. The possibility that the study design reduces power and affects results was also emphasized.