Rising Rabbit Respiratory Diseases: Causes and Concerns
Causes of Respiratory Diseases in Rabbits
1. Infection with Blood Parasites
In hot climates, if rabbit farms do not clean up feces and urine promptly, it creates an ideal environment for the breeding of flies and mosquitoes. These pests can easily transmit blood parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii and Eperythrozoon, which can lead to severe respiratory problems in rabbits.
When rabbits are infected with these diseases, they often experience symptoms like elevated body temperature, difficulty breathing, head breathing, and severe nasal congestion. The mortality rate for these diseases is quite high. Therefore, in hot weather, it is crucial for owners to maintain strict sanitation in rabbit farms, promptly prevent and eliminate flies and mosquitoes. Avoid keeping other animals like cats and dogs in the rabbit farm, and regularly deworm the rabbit herd.
2. Mycoplasma Infection
Mycoplasma infections, which cause mycoplasma pneumonia in rabbits, are one of the main diseases severely affecting rabbit farming profitability. Once a rabbit is infected, it can easily lead to an outbreak among the entire herd. Many rabbit owners are often unaware of the term "mycoplasma."
The main symptoms of mycoplasma infection include sticky or mucous nasal discharge, frequent sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, decreased appetite, and a lack of activity. Some affected rabbits may also exhibit symptoms like swelling and stiffness in the limbs and joints. The primary site of this disease is the rabbit's lungs. Rabbits that die from acute pneumonia typically show varying degrees of emphysema and purple discoloration of the lung apex.
The main preventive measures for this disease include strengthening the feeding and management of the rabbit herd and maintaining strict hygiene in the rabbit shed. Reducing ammonia emissions in the shed is also a key preventive measure. Drugs such as tylosin, mycoplasma, and doxycycline are effective in treating this disease.
3. Mixed Infection in Rabbits
Mixed infections involving Mycoplasma bovis, Pasteurella multocida, and Streptococcus suis are not uncommon in rabbit farms.
These diseases can significantly damage the rabbit's immune system, leading to a collective decline in the herd's immunity. This makes it easier for various opportunistic bacterial respiratory pathogens to take advantage of the situation. In hot weather, it can also lead to high fever, which is the most severe consequence of mixed infections, with rabbits rapidly falling ill and dying.
4. Fungal Toxin Infection and Heat Stress in Rabbits
Under the influence of high heat and humidity, rabbit feed and sheds are prone to mold growth. Often, these molds are not visible to the naked eye. When rabbits are infected with these fungal toxins, their livers and kidneys can be severely damaged, and their immune systems can be compromised, significantly increasing the likelihood of respiratory diseases.
During hot and humid seasons, owners should promptly add mold inhibitors to their homemade feed and ensure that the storage environment for complete feed is dry.
These are some of the reasons for the widespread occurrence of respiratory diseases in rabbits, as summarized by Oxygen Pet Doctor. We hope that rabbit owners can take timely preventive measures based on specific situations to reduce the incidence of respiratory diseases in rabbits.
