Diseases that may be acquired from rabbits

  

 Kim Chilson

 

 

This list includes pathogens and parasites that were found in domestic rabbits - rescued rabbits living among wildlife, pet rabbits housed outside, and rabbit living inside. Walls or barriers will not prevent a rabbit from acquiring these pathogens or parasites. This does not mean that a rabbit will host any of those listed here, and if so, will automatically transmit it to man. While it is likely that no harm is caused in a healthy person, do not take chances and keep basic hygiene rules, including regular washing of hands. Immunocompromised persons should, however, take precautionary measures. In case of doubt, please consult a physician.

 

 

 Viral diseases:

Rabies

  

 Bacterial diseases:

Pasteurellosis

Salmonellosis

Bordetella sp.

Tularemia (Francisella tularensis) in wild-living rabbits

Brucellosis

Plague (Yersinia pestis) in wild-living rabbits

Q-fever (Rickettsia) in wild-living rabbits

  

 Protozoal diseases:

Encephalitozoonosis (in immunocompromised persons)

Toxoplasmosis (no direct transmission)

Giardiasis

  

 Fungal diseases:

Dermatophytosis

Microsporum sp.

Trichophyton mentagrophytes

  

 Parasitic skin diseases:

Acariasis (any disease caused by an acarid mite)

Cheyletiella sp. infestations (easily contagious)

Sarcoptes scabiei infestations (easily contagious)

Fleas

Ticks

  

Parasitic intestinal diseases or else:

Filariasis

Trichostrongylidosis

Baylisascaris procyonis

 

Thanks to Kim Chilson, for her lovely illustrations

 

 

e-mail: info@medirabbit.com