[Encephalitozoon cuniculi in a rabbit-breeding colony].

A case of Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in a rabbitry is reported. After the introduction of new rabbits in 1984, problems arose accompanied by serious losses among rabbits of all ages. Affected animals showed muscular weakness, emaciation, polydipsia and polyuria and died within various periods. Some of the affected animals also showed neurological symptoms. When two animals were examined at autopsy lesions typical of encephalitozoonis were observed: small granulomas in the brain and chronic interstitial nephritis associated with tubular degeneration. Encephalitozoon cuniculi was identified in the affected renal tubules and, in small numbers, also in the brain and the liver. The pathogenesis, epidemiology and possibilities of control are briefly discussed.