Antimicrobial resistance and etiological dynamics affected by tropical climate variability on year-round diagnosis of upper respiratory infections in companion rabbits with snuffles.

Abstract

Upper respiratory infections (URIs) in rabbits are of significant concern, presenting diagnostic challenges and necessitating targeted antimicrobial stewardship. This study aimed to evaluate the etiological bacteria causing URIs in rabbits and their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Thailand during 2022, while exploring potential correlations between tropical meteorological factors and URI occurrence. For year-round diagnosis, seventy-eight companion rabbits with snuffles were confirmed infection based on bacterial culture. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Meteorological data were obtained from the Meteorological Department of Thailand, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and used for analyzing the climate influences. The results showed that highest URI occurrence could be found during the rainy season (46.15%, 95% CI 35.53-57.14%), with a significant correlation between URI occurrence and precipitation (r = 0.66, p = 0.02). Gram-negative bacteria were the predominant pathogens (67.95%, 95% CI 56.96-77.25%), particularly Pseudomonas spp., Acinetobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., and Pasteurella multocida. Consequently, AMR profiles revealed high resistance to penicillin and co-trimoxazole, with multidrug resistance common among major bacterial groups. These findings highlight the influence of tropical climate on URI occurrence and the growing AMR challenge in companion rabbits, underscoring the need for region-specific monitoring and antimicrobial stewardship.