Many rabbits are born with it but never actually have symptoms.

I think I know this one! E Cuniculi is a parasite. From what I’ve read, bunnies can catch it from an infected rabbit via spores (?) in the infected rabbit’s urine. Since baby bunnies are exposed to their mother’s urine, if the mother has it that is the most likely way for them to become infected. From what I’ve read, any bunny can become infected when exposed to urine of an infected bunny. Although E Cuniculi can cause serious problems, many bunnies live their whole lives hosting this parasite and have no symptoms. There are quite a few articles online about it — I imagine Funny Looking Rabbit will post with some links.

There is a blood test that will tell if a bunny has been exposed (antibody titer) if you’re curious (I had all three of mine tested when they had bloodwork done). I had mine tested mainly so I would know if E Cuniculi symptoms/complications could potentially be in there future.

Here is some good info from the House Rabbit Society:

http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-2/e-cuniculi.html

I’ve had many many rabbits (fostering and my own) and have never tested any for it. I don’t think it’s necessarily anything you need to really worry about.

Haha, I came to make good on my link posting and Sarita beat me to it! I think that link is by far the most comprehensive explanation of it.

Its really not necessary to test for it, but if you’re really curious and decide to, be prepared for the cost! Here, the test was $75 (I was already having bloodwork done so that amount doesn’t include drawing charges). I may not have had the tests done had I not been in a panic over the buns having eaten basil that had basil downey mildew on it and had I not just lost my 12 1/2 year old pup to cancer less than a week prior.

I believe EC is transmitted by urine and transplacentally (so they get it from mom). I think I read 50% of rabbits have it; they just may never become sick with it, it stays basically dormant.

Yes, i don’t think I’d bother testing for it unless your bun is showing symptoms and it becomes pertinent information. Hopefully you never need to test for it!