Pasteurella

Pasteurella is a genus of Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacteria. Pasturella species are non-motile and pleomorphic. P. multocida is responsible for most human infections.

"Pasteurella multocida is a well known cause of morbidity and mortality in rabbits. The predominant syndrome is upper respiratory disease.  P. multocida is often an endemic in rabbit colonies and the acquisition of infection in young rabbits is correlated to the prevalence in adult rabbits." According to Barbara Deeb, DVM, MS and Assistant Professor Dept. of Comparative Medicine University of Washington, transmission is typically through nasal secretions and P. multocida can survive several days in moist areas or in water.

Mark A Marinella, MD presents material to support an elderly man owning sixteen cats acquiring pneumonia due to the P. multocida bacterial species without evidence of a scratch or bite.

Pathogenesis
Most Pasteurella species are zoonotic pathogens; humans can acquire an infection, however, typically from domestic pet bites. Common symptoms of Pasteurella infections in humans include swelling cellulitis, and bloody drainage at the site of the wound. Infections may progress to nearby joints where it can cause swelling and arthritis.

Pasteurella are generally susceptible to chloramphenicol, the penicillins, and tetracycline.