Rabbit Ringworm: Understanding and Managing the Disease

I. Causes of Leprosy in Rabbits

The primary cause of ringworm in rabbits is often attributed to management lapses on the part of the pet owner. It is typically challenging to completely eradicate the disease once it breaks out in a rabbitry, making daily management crucial for pet owners. The main management flaws include:

1. Introduction of Infected Stock: Many pet owners fail to investigate the source farm or the rabbits they are introducing, resulting in the introduction of rabbits that are already carrying severe mites and surface parasites.

2. Inadequate Deworming: In an ideal scenario, breeding and fattening rabbits in a rabbitry should be dewormed regularly. However, many farmers either neglect this or do not prioritize it, only treating the rabbits once they show symptoms.

3. Poor Living Conditions: The rearing environment is often恶劣, with rabbit sheds being damp and unsanitary, leading to strong odors and poor air quality within the pen.

4. Mixed Rearing: Rabbits are sometimes kept in the same pens as other livestock, such as dogs, chickens, and ducks.

II. Common Symptoms of Ringworm in Rabbits

1. Hair Loss on the Head: The most common symptom of head ringworm is a small amount of hair loss on the front of the head. If left untreated, the affected area can spread, leading to a larger bald patch. In some cases, the rabbit may even become completely bald.

2. Body Hair Loss: Body hair loss typically starts with small patches on the abdomen, which then gradually spread. In severe cases, the entire body can be affected, resulting in patchy hair loss.

3. Ear Mites: A small amount of scabbing may appear in the rabbit's ears, but if not treated promptly, it can quickly spread throughout the ear, leading to infection.

The above is an introduction to ringworm in rabbits by Oxygen Pet Doctor. We hope that all rabbit owners take this condition seriously. Ringworm in rabbits is not something to be taken lightly!