A 12-month-old
domestic rabbit died suddenly without specific clinical signs. Gross examination revealed irregular yellowish hepatic nodules with
pus in the submandibular
muscles,
lungs,
uterus, and
small intestines. Histopathological examination of the
liver showed granulomatous
inflammation with
acid-fast-positive
bacteria.
Mycobacterium bovis SB1040 was identified by
polymerase chain reaction and spoligotyping, and
Pasteurella multocida was isolated from the multiple lesions. This
report demonstrates the pathological features of rare
bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in a
domestic rabbit, the first case in the
Republic of Korea. To ensure public
safety, we recommend routine
monitoring of
rabbits to control the
incidence of bTB.