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By NOEL IYOMBWA
Marsburg Shamilimo is a National Resource Development College (NRDC) Crop Science student who has been rearing rabbits for their urine which is used for making pesticide and organic fertilizer.
He takes The Scoop through some of the diseases that affect rabbits and how they can be prevented.
“There are a lot of diseases that affect rabbits. Here is a list of some of them and how they can be caused:
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects rabbits. It is caused by the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) and is spread through direct contact with infected rabbits or contaminated objects.
Symptoms of RHD include fever, lethargy, bleeding from the nose or mouth, and sudden death. Treatment is often unsuccessful and the virus can be fatal within hours of infection. Prevention of RHD is important, as there is no vaccine available for the virus.
How to prevent it
There are several ways to help prevent RHD in your rabbits. First, keep them isolated from other rabbits, especially wild rabbits. Second, practice good hygiene and sanitation by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting your rabbits’ environment regularly.
Third, control flies and other insects that may carry the virus and finally, work with a veterinarian to create a vaccination program for your rabbits. By taking these precautions, you can help protect your rabbits from this deadly disease.
Pasteurellosis, also known as snuffles, is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Pasteurella multocida. It is one of the most common diseases in pet rabbits and can be very serious, even fatal, if left untreated.
The most common symptoms of Pasteurellosis include sneezing, nasal discharge, coughing, eye discharge, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If not treated, the infection can spread to the lungs, liver, kidneys, and other organs.
In some cases, rabbits may develop abscesses. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and supportive care.
What causes Pasteurellosis?
Pasteurellosis is most commonly spread through direct contact with an infected rabbit. This can happen through direct contact with respiratory secretions, such as sneezing or coughing, or through contact with contaminated objects, such as cages, toys, or food dishes.
Stress and overcrowding can also increase the risk of infection. Young rabbits and rabbits with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk for developing Pasteurellosis.
In addition, some rabbits may carry the bacteria without showing any symptoms, which can make it difficult to prevent the spread of the disease.
How do you prevent Pasteurellosis?
The best way to prevent Pasteurellosis in rabbits is to practice good hygiene and sanitation.
This includes regularly cleaning cages, food and water dishes, and any other objects that the rabbits come into contact with. It’s also important to isolate any sick rabbits and to quarantine any new rabbits before introducing them to your existing rabbits. Additionally, vaccinating your rabbits against Pasteurellosis can help prevent the disease from spreading.
How can one treat Pasteurellosis?
Treatment for Pasteurellosis typically involves antibiotics, which are usually given for several weeks. The specific antibiotic used will depend on the severity of the infection and the overall health of the rabbit.
In some cases, additional treatments such as supportive care, fluid therapy, or surgery may be necessary.
Early treatment is important, as rabbits with advanced Pasteurellosis may not respond well to treatment.
In addition to the treatment methods mentioned, it is also important to address any underlying causes of stress in your rabbits.
Stress can weaken the immune system, making rabbits more susceptible to disease. Common causes of stress in rabbits include changes in environment, loud noises, and overcrowding. Providing a clean, comfortable, and safe environment can help reduce stress in your rabbits.
Myxomatosis is a serious disease caused by a virus that affects rabbits.
The disease is spread by the bite of infected fleas, mosquitoes, or other biting insects. It can also be spread through direct contact with infected rabbits, their bodily fluids, or contaminated objects.
Myxomatosis can cause fever, swelling around the eyes and genitals, breathing difficulties, paralysis, and death.
While there is no cure for Myxomatosis, there are vaccines available to help prevent the disease in rabbits.
Myxomatosis is caused by the myxoma virus, which is spread through biting insects like fleas and mosquitoes, as well as through direct contact with an infected rabbit or contaminated objects.
The virus can also be spread through the blood, urine, and faeces of infected rabbits.
Young rabbits are especially susceptible to the virus, as are rabbits that are already stressed or ill.
In some cases, Myxomatosis can also be spread through the air if an infected rabbit is housed near other rabbits.
Symptoms of Myxomatosis
The symptoms of Myxomatosis can vary depending on the severity of the infection. In mild cases, rabbits may only experience mild swelling around the face, eyes, and ears. In more severe cases, rabbits may experience swelling in other areas, such as the genitalia, as well as difficulty breathing, lethargy, and fever.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your rabbits, it’s important to take them to a veterinarian right away.
In addition to recognizing the symptoms of Myxomatosis, it is also important to know about the risk factors that can increase your rabbits’ chances of developing the disease.
These include living in an area with a high concentration of mosquitoes and fleas, as well as coming into contact with wild rabbits.
It is also important to note that some rabbit breeds are more susceptible to Myxomatosis than others, so it’s important to research the health risks associated with your particular breeds.
How to prevent Myxomatosis
There are several steps you can take to help prevent your rabbits from getting Myxomatosis. First, it’s important to make sure they are vaccinated against the disease. Myxomatosis vaccines are available in many countries, so be sure to check with your veterinarian.
In addition to vaccination, you should also make sure your rabbits are kept away from mosquitoes and fleas, as these insects can carry the myxoma virus.
Finally, it’s important to keep your rabbits’ living areas clean and free of any faeces or urine that could harbour the virus.
How to treat your rabbits from Myxomatosis
If your rabbits are diagnosed with Myxomatosis, there are several treatment options available. In mild cases, supportive care, such as providing fluids and antibiotics, may be enough to help your rabbits recover.
In more severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend antiviral medication or surgery to remove any affected tissue.
Your veterinarian will work with you to determine the best treatment option for your rabbits.
Encephalitozoonosis, also known as rabbit syphilis, is another disease that can affect rabbits. It is caused by the Encephalitozoon cuniculi parasite, which can spread through contact with infected rabbits or contaminated food and water.
Symptoms of Encephalitozoonosis include paralysis, head tilt, and loss of appetite. If you suspect your rabbits have Encephalitozoonosis, it’s important to take them to a veterinarian right away. Your veterinarian will likely perform a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
Encephalitozoon cuniculi, the parasite that causes Encephalitozoonosis, is present in the environment and can be found in soil, food, and water. While it’s not entirely clear how the parasite is transmitted, it’s thought to be spread through contact with an infected animal’s faeces, urine, or saliva. The parasite can also be transmitted to humans, although it rarely causes serious illness in humans.
Ear mange, also called ear mites, is a type of mange that affects the ears of rabbits. The mites that cause ear mange, Otodectes cynotis, feed on the wax and oils in the ear canal. This can cause the ears to become inflamed, red, and itchy. You may also notice crusty discharge, hair loss, and head shaking in rabbits with ear mites.
What causes Ear Mange?
Mange is usually caused by direct contact with an infected rabbit or by coming into contact with an infected environment, such as a cage or enclosure. Mites can also be spread by contaminated food or water. In addition, some rabbits may be genetically predisposed to developing mange.
Since mange is highly contagious, it’s important to isolate infected rabbits and clean all of the areas they come into contact with, such as cages, bedding, and food and water dishes.
How to treat mange
Treatment for mange depends on the type and severity of the disease. In most cases, a veterinarian will prescribe a topical medication to kill the mites and relieve symptoms. The medication may need to be applied for several weeks to ensure that all of the mites are killed. If the mange is severe, your veterinarian may also recommend antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications to treat secondary infections and help reduce itching.
Mange is usually caused by direct contact with an infected rabbit or by coming into contact with an infected environment, such as a cage or enclosure.
Mites can also be spread by contaminated food or water. In addition, some rabbits may be genetically predisposed to developing mange. Since mange is highly contagious, it’s important to isolate infected rabbits and clean all of the areas they come into contact with, such as cages, bedding, and food and water dishes.
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