Common Diseases in Rabbits
A. BACTERIAL
1. SNUFFLES
Symptoms: Discharge from nostrils, associated sneezing
and snuffling noises. Some cases are mild, others develop pneumonia and often
die.
Route: Respiratory.
Source: Other infected Rabbits.
Control: Antibiotics may be successful in some cases. Sterilise cages etc
which may prevent further spread.
The disease is often endemic, and successful control is difficult.
Adequate diet, well ventilated quarters, regular cleaning and sterilising of
cages etc, usually controls the disease sufficiently to prevent serious
outbreaks. Success has been claimed by the administration of sulphonamide
water-fed antibiotics.
2. RABBIT SYPHILIS
Symptoms: Ulcerative lesions found on the penis of the
male and the vulva and vagina of the female. There may be involvement of the
anus, eyelids, lips and nose.
Route: By sexual intercourse with infected rabbits.
Control: Injection of antibiotics
Before introduction of rabbits for breeding they should be examined to ensure
their freedom from the disease.
B. FUNGAL
RINGWORM
Symptoms: Destruction of hair follicles, resulting in
areas of baldness. May exude fluid and become encrusted.
Route: By contact with infected rabbits or rodents.
Control: Animals mostly recover without treatment, but since they are
likely to infect others treatment in the form of baths or oral medication may be
given. Sterilise cages, bedding etc.
C. PROTOZOAN
COCCIDIOSIS
Intestinal: Diarrhoea, loss of condition, often fatal.
Hepatic: Mild cases may show no clinical signs, loss of weight, and
death.
Route: Oral, eating their faeces.
Source: Other rabbits.
Control: A high standard of management, regular cleaning, sterilising
cages etc, grid floor cages, coccidiostats incorporated in food and water.
No treatment is fully effective in eradicating the disease.
D. ECTOPARASITES
EAR CANKER
Symptoms: Animal with severs ear canker usually shows
signs of discomfort, such as excessive scratching of ht ears, mild cases often
go undetected.
Source: Other infected rabbits.
Causal Agent: Mites.
Control: Can be cured by a installation into the ears of a ear-mite drops.
E. INJURIES
FRACTURES
Rabbits are easily frightened by loud or sudden noises and
inexperience handling. Fracture of the spine may occur as a result of the animal
jumping in fright and catching its back on some obstruction. Hind legs are
easily trapped in weld mesh cages. Injury to the spine often passes unnoticed at
the time of occurrence, and is detected later when signs of hindquarter
paralysis develops, the result of damage to nerves.
SORE HOCKS
Swelling and calluses on pads of hind feet, and in some cases
sores and infection. Effect of rabbits being on grids for too long a period.
Treatment: Remove rabbit from grids and place on solid bottom
cage, on soft bedding. Paint sore hocks with Iodine.
F. NON SPECIFIC ENTERIC COMPLEX
Growing rabbits are prone to ill defined enteric conditions. It is mainly
found in animals from 6 - 12 weeks of age. The critical period of post weaning
adjustments. Many rabbits become ill and often die.
