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.