Conjunctival bacterial and fungal flora and cutaneous fungal flora in healthy domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Objectives: To determine the normal conjunctival bacterial and fungal flora in healthy rabbits, to compare the fungal flora from the conjunctival sac with periocular cutaneous fungal flora and to evaluate potential changes in type of micro-organisms over time.

Materials And Methods: Samples from 50 pet rabbits with a normal ophthalmic examination were obtained from conjunctival sacs using sterile cotton swabs and from the interpupillary skin space using a piece of sterile carpet. Samples were collected twice, 4 weeks apart, and cultured to evaluate bacterial and fungal populations.