Epizootic rabbit enteropathy: History, effects on the rabbit industry and recent advances in molecular microbiology

Abstract

Epizootic Rabbit Enteropathy (ERE) is a complex gastrointestinal disease affecting domestic rabbits, characterized by abdominal distention, acute enteric distress, and increased morbidity and mortality. It is the primary cause of mortality in the European rabbit industry and costs millions of Euros every year. It is known to be potentially fatal to different rabbit ages and persists in threatening the rabbit production industry. It is mostly documented in intensive and semi-intensive fattening farms, but there are also reports of ERE in pet rabbits, which are rather rarely seen. It is known to be a contagious disease with a 30-40 % mortality and even up to 100% morbidity in up to a few days.