A natural outbreak of transmissible murine colonic hyperplasia in A/J mice.

Transmissible murine colonic hyperplasia was diagnosed in 6-month-old A/J mice kept under standard laboratory conditions. Bacterial cultures revealed the presence of Citrobacter freundii (4280). Clinical signs included rough coats, feces adhering to the anus, slight dehydration and rectal prolapses. A nonclotting sanquinous intestinal fluid and gross colonic thickening were frequently seen at necropsy. Morbidity was approximately 50%; mortality approximately 25%. Tetracycline appeared to be effective in controlling the disease.