PREVALENCE OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS BIOTYPES IN COMMERCIAL RABBIT FARMS

A cross sectional study was undertaken to estimate Staphylococcus aureus prevalence in rabbit flocks under rational production conditions. Fifteen farms were by convenience selected and 60 does were systematically sampled. Nose, ear, abdomen and interdigital skin swabs were collected from 900 does and data about flock production and flock health co ndition were recorded. Results report a mean inside flock S. aureus prevalence of 77.6% (CI95% 66.4-88.2) of the selec ted sample. Three S. aureus biotypes were detected: the human one and two non host specific biotypes, mixed CV-C and mixed CV-A. Most of the flocks displayed S. aureus strains of just one biotype. However, in four flocks two biotypes were isolated: three flocks where one biotype was predominant and one unit where mixed CV-C and human biotypes were uniformly distributed. The among flocks distribution of S. aureus biotypes was correlated with the commercial source of breeders. Finally, statistic analysis of productive parameters related the presence of the mixed CV-C biotype to a lower number of weaned rabbits.