Higher levels of which stressful condition can exacerbate Bordetellosis in rabbits?

Higher levels of overcrowding can exacerbate Bordetellosis in rabbits because overcrowding leads to increased stress among the animals. When rabbits are kept in tightly packed conditions, they may have limited access to food, water, and space, creating a stressful environment that can weaken their immune systems. A compromised immune system makes rabbits more susceptible to infections, including Bordetellosis, which is primarily caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica.

This bacterial infection is more likely to take hold when rabbits are stressed, as stress can trigger various physiological responses that inhibit the body's ability to fight off infections. Therefore, managing population density and ensuring that rabbits have adequate space to roam and express natural behaviors is vital for their health and wellbeing, especially in preventing conditions like Bordetellosis.