encephalitozoonosis (rabbit)

Encephalitozoonosis is an internal zoonotic parasitic infection caused by a Microspora: Encephalitozoon cuniculi. The animal can get infected in utero or by ingesting the spores, which are shed via the urine, feces, sperm, and respiratory secretions of affected animals. Usually, the disease is asymptomatic but can develop in three forms: renal, nervous or ocular. The first presents few visible symptoms, such as the presence of vesicles on the surface of the kidneys. In the nervous form, the rabbit presents the symptoms of encephalitis. In addition, torticolis, convulsive seizures and tremors are observed. In the last form, uveitis in the eye or rupture of the lens capsule will be observed.