Studies on experimental pasteurellosis in rabbits inoculated with Pasteurella multocida serotype A:3

In experimental study, four groups of rabbits (six each) were group I (intra-nasal), group II (intra-tracheal), group III (hydrocortisone treated) and group IV (control) were taken. Infected groups (I and II plus hydrocortisone) with P. multocida serotype A: 3 revealed respiratory distress and organisms could be reisolated from heart blood. There was significant decrease (P>0.05) in values of Hb, PCV and TEC on 7^th and 14^th DPI and rising trend in values of TLC, heterophils, monocytes and corresponding lymphocytopenia. In biochemical test, decreases (P>0.05) in serum total protein and calcium levels and increase in cholesterol were noticed. Serologically AGPT and dotElisa showed positive results (development of antibodies) in sera samples of infected group (I and II) against the P. multocida sonicated antigen. Intra-nasally inoculated organism induced mild lesions and intra-tracheal route of infection produced moderate lesions of acute bronchopneumonia.