Spring Weasel Rhinitis Prevention and Treatment Focus

Section 1: Clinical Symptoms of Ferret Rhinitis

The symptoms of ferret rhinitis in young rabbits are primarily acute. Initially, affected young rabbits exhibit difficulty breathing, a decrease in appetite, or even complete loss of appetite. Within 2 to 3 days of onset, the condition worsens, leading to the death of the affected rabbits. Generally, adult rabbits tend to suffer from chronic rhinitis, characterized by the presence of watery or mucous discharge from the nostrils. Affected rabbits frequently sneeze and often use their forelimbs to wipe away nasal mucus. In severe cases, the nostrils may produce purulent discharge, which can harden around the nostrils, causing obstruction. This obstruction leads to difficulty breathing, compelling the affected rabbits to breathe through their mouths. Due to the prolonged nature of the disease, the appetite of affected rabbits gradually diminishes, leading to weight loss and slow growth. In some cases, rabbits may die due to secondary severe pneumonia.

Section 2: Prevention and Treatment Methods for Ferret Rhinitis

1. Prevention Measures:

Strengthen the feeding and management of rabbits, promoting their physical exercise to enhance their disease resistance.

Maintain a reasonable temperature in the rabbit shed while ensuring good ventilation and fresh air.

Pay attention to the cleanliness of the rabbit shed, regularly cleaning and disinfecting the area.

Administer the Bapavirus vaccine to rabbits regularly and consider adding a small amount of quinine alcohol to their feed.

Control the density of rabbit breeding appropriately.

Isolate and treat rabbits with rhinitis promptly to prevent the spread of the disease. It is also important to cull breeding rabbits with rhinitis to prevent their use in breeding programs.

2. Treatment Methods:

To treat ferret rhinitis, a mixture of penicillin and streptomycin can be administered via intramuscular injection. Each injection should contain 200,000 units of each drug, given twice daily for 3 to 5 days.

Additionally, these drugs can be used to wipe the nostrils of affected rabbits, and chloramphenicol eye drops can be administered into the nostrils for treatment.

With these points summarized by Oxygen Pet Doctor, the focus of preventing and treating ferret rhinitis during spring is highlighted. We hope that all rabbit owners take note and take proactive measures to prevent rhinitis in their rabbits, reducing the likelihood of them falling ill.