Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Chronic respiratory disease in rabbits, characterized by sneezing, coughing, and mucopurulent nasal discharge, is commonly referred to as "snuffles".
It is a highly contagious disease of laboratory and domestic rabbits.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us review the listed organisms and their associated conditions in rabbits:
- Cheyletiella parasitivorax: An ectoparasitic mite that causes "walking dandruff" (fur mite infestation), leading to scaling and pruritus, not respiratory signs.
- Echinococcus multilocularis: A tapeworm where rabbits can act as intermediate hosts for the larval cyst stage, not causing chronic nasal discharge.
- Eimeria stediae: A protozoan that causes hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits, leading to liver damage and icterus.
- Pasteurella multocida: A Gram-negative bacterium that is the primary causative agent of "snuffles" (pasteurellosis) in rabbits, leading to rhinitis, sinusitis, and chronic mucopurulent nasal discharge.
Step 2: Final Answer:
The most likely causative agent of the respiratory signs in this rabbit is Pasteurella multocida, which corresponds to Option (D).