Symptoms & Treatments for Rabbit Ear Itch Disease

Section 1: Symptoms of Rabbit Ear Itch Disease

The primary symptoms of rabbit ear itch disease include severe itching in the affected rabbits' ears, leading them to frequently scratch their ears with their forelimbs or shake their heads violently. Additionally, these rabbits may exhibit signs of poor mood, restlessness, reduced appetite, and weight loss. Physically, the ears of the affected rabbits will show redness, flaking, and hair loss. The infection can spread, causing the skin of the outer ear canal to crust over and thicken. Continuous scratching can exacerbate skin infections, potentially leading to symptoms like fever, seizures, or epilepsy, and in severe cases, even death.

Section 2: Prevention and Treatment Measures for Rabbit Ear Itch Disease

1. Controlling the Spread of Infection: As rabbit ear itch is highly contagious, if one rabbit in a group is infected, the entire group is at risk. Therefore, it is crucial to isolate any infected individual immediately to prevent crosscontamination.

2. Treating the Affected Rabbits: Prepare cotton balls soaked in 2% dipterex solution and apply it directly to the infected areas and surrounding skin of the rabbits. Repeat this daily for three consecutive days. Afterward, administer ivermectin intramuscularly (0.2 mg/kg body weight) once a week for a total of three treatments.

3. Disinfection: Since rabbit ear itch is caused by pathogens, it's essential to eliminate these from the environment. Regularly spray the rabbitry and surrounding areas with 1% dipterex solution to kill pathogens and prevent the disease from spreading. Continue this weekly for three weeks. Also, ensure that uninfected rabbits are disinfected twice and that feces, fur, and leftover feed are thoroughly cleaned.

4. Boosting the Rabbits' Immunity: This disease is more likely to affect rabbits with weak immune systems. Therefore, it's important to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet, including vitamins and a moderate amount of fresh greens, to keep the rabbits' immune systems strong.

Remember, rabbits have underdeveloped sweat glands, making them highly susceptible to heat. During hot weather, ensure that the rabbitry is wellventilated and cooled, and maintain strict sanitation practices to prevent a decline in their resistance.