Serological survey of Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in commercially reared rabbit does in Northern Italy.
The aim of the study was to carry out a serological survey of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in commercially reared rabbit does (Oryctolagus cuniculi) in Veneto region (Northern Italy). Two hundred and sixty blood samples from 13 farms were examined by a carbon immunoassay (CIA test) to detect the presence of antibodies anti-E. cuniculi. All sampled rabbit does were clinically healthy. Seropositivity against E. cuniculi was found in 196/260 (75.4%) sera and in all the sampled farms (100%). Logistic regression analysis showed that the size of the farm had no statistically significant effect on E. cuniculi positivity; whereas rabbits of the hybrid X showed a higher seropositivity (p<0.01) than rabbits belonging to other commercial breeds. Moreover, the age seemed to influence the seropositivity (p<0.05). This serological survey showed a high prevalence of E. cuniculi infection suggesting that this parasite may be endemic in industrial rabbitries in Northern Italy.
Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro (Padua), Italy.
Chiara
C
Lonardi
Guido
G
Grilli
Viviana
V
Ferrazzi
Marta
M
Dal Cin
Davide
D
Rigolin
Alessandra
A
Piccirillo
D000818:Animals; D009670:Encephalitozoon cuniculi / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016890:Encephalitozoonosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D011817:Rabbits