Figure 2

Mean number of bacteria shed (CFUs/sec ± S.E.) by oro-nasal contact with a BG blood agar plate during the course of the infection. A total of 14 infected rabbits were used and sacrificed at days 60, 90, 120 and 150 post-infection. Each individual was weekly challenged by oro-nasal contact with a BG blood agar plate and time of interaction measured. Bacteria were enumerated after incubating for 36-48 hr at 37°C. For every week post infection (from WPI 2 to WPI 18) the number of plates positive for B. bronchiseptica after removal of contaminated cases and sacrificed individuals was: WPI 2 = 8, WPI 3 = 6, WPI 4 = 8, WPI 5 = N.D. (no data), WPI 6 = 11, WPI 7 = N.D., WPI 8 = 14, WPI 9 = 12, WPI 10 = 12, WPI 11 = 12, WPI 12 = 12, WPI 13 = 8, WPI 14 = 8, WPI 15 = 8, WPI 16 = 8, WPI 17 = 8, WPI 18 = 4. The overall average shedding pattern and the more specific three shedding groups (intermittent, fade-out and non-shedding) are reported.