Epizootic Rabbit Enteropathy (ERE): A Review of Current Knowledge

Abstract

This literature review deals with Epizootic rabbit enteropathy (ERE), a condition which is potentially fatal to infected animals and continues to threaten the rabbit production industry internationally. The documented history of the condition is reviewed, together with what is known regarding the aetiology of the disease and candidate organisms which appear to be associated with its onset, although cannot be implicated as being the causal agent. Approaches to reduce the incidence of the condition (combining both husbandry practices and nutritional considerations), together with potential post-onset treatments and management strategies are also discussed.

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

“…While mucoid enteropathy has been described in domestic European rabbits since at least 1974 (Flatt et al 1974), more recently, a highly infectious component to this disease was discovered in domestic rabbit breeding facilities; the disease is now called epizootic rabbit enteropathy (Puón-Peláez et al 2018). ERE first emerged in Europe in 1996 and was reported in Mexico in 2001/2002(Puón-Peláez et al 2018). Rabbits inoculated with the cecal contents from infected rabbits developed the disease, and large outbreaks with high morbidity and mortality have been reported (Licois et al 2005).…”

“…Rabbits inoculated with the cecal contents from infected rabbits developed the disease, and large outbreaks with high morbidity and mortality have been reported (Licois et al 2005). The infectious agent has not yet been identified, although several candidates have been proposed (Puón-Peláez et al 2018;Puón-Peláez et al 2020). The disease is thought to be bacterial in nature, and current practices in large breeding facilities seem to now be able to control the disease through strict hygiene and the administration of antibiotics such as valnemulin, tiamulin (Dip et al…”

“…Mucoid enteropathy/epizootic rabbit enteropathy (ME/ ERE) is an important disease of domestic European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that has been recognized for nearly 50 years but is still not well understood, and the etiology is unknown (Puón-Peláez et al 2018). Characteristic features include cecal impaction and large amounts of gelatinous mucus in the colon, and often gastric dilation (Barthold et al 2016;Varga Smith 2023).…”

“…Morbidity and mortality are high, often leading to large losses in domestic rabbit production facilities. However, while some treatments and prevention strategies have been proposed (Puón-Peláez et al 2018), there is some uncertainty as to their effectiveness (Varga Smith 2023). This report describes findings consistent with ME/ERE in four cottontail rabbits undergoing rehabilitation at the CWRF.…”

Effect of Feeding Insoluble Fibre On The Microbiome And Metabolites of The Caecum And Faeces of Rabbits Recovering From Epizootic Rabbit Enteropathy Relative To Non-Infected Animals

“…A recent review of factors associated with ERE, and how to treat it [25] included the use of elevated bre levels as one mechanism of treatment. This approach constituted the underpinning experimental design of this work.…”