List of eight major diseases found in rabbits:- 1. Coccidiosis 2. Body Mange 3. Enteritis Complex 4. Pasteurellosis 5. Shorehock 6. Hind Quarter Paralysis 7. Hairball Occlusion 8. Wryneck.
Disease # 1. Coccidiosis:
Diarrhoea, loss of appetite and dehydration. May cause death in 24-36 hours.
Control Measures:
(i) Coccidiostats like Sulphaquinoxaline + Sulphamerazine @ 0.02 to 0.10% in drinking water
ADVERTISEMENTS:
(ii) Strict hygienic measures
Disease # 2. Body Mange (Ear Canker):
Intense purity, scratching, scaling of the skin, loss of fur. and animal becomes weak.
Control Measures:
(i) Application of ascabiol lotion
ADVERTISEMENTS:
(ii) Ivermectin injection 0.02 ml/kg body wt. (S/C)
(iii) Strict hygienic measures.
Disease # 3. Enteritis Complex:
Subnormal temperature, crouched posture, roughened hair coat, gelatinous mucus with dry feaces and bloat.
Control Measures:
ADVERTISEMENTS:
i) No successful treatment
(ii) Tetracycline in feed @100 gm/tonne feed
(iii) Adequate amount of fibre should be given.
Disease # 4. Pasteurellosis:
Discharges from nostrils, wiping of nose with paws, loss of appetite, high rise of temperature.
Control Measures:
400000 IU of penicillin and 0.5 g streptomycin given (IM).
Disease # 5. Shorehock:
Inflamed areas or sores on the under surface of hind paws, weakness and dehydration.
Control Measures:
Sores should be opened and antiseptic dressing should be applied. Soft bedding should be provided during treatment period.
Disease # 6. Hind Quarter Paralysis:
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Sudden jerk, excitement, paralysis, loss of control over urination and defication.
Control Measures:
Affected animals should be slaughtered.
Disease # 7. Hairball Occlusion:
Wool get accumulated in stomach and blocks normal passage of food.
Control Measures:
Treat the animal with mineral oil or neopeptin or fresh pineapple juice.
Disease # 8. Wryneck:
Permanent turning of neck to one side, unable to eat, weakness.
Control Measures:
Affected animals should be slaughtered.
Common Symptoms in Diseased Rabbits:
i. Dull and depressed.
ii. Reduction in the body weight and emaciation.
iii. Heavy loss of hair.
iv. No active movement of rabbits. Usually they stay in one particular place in the cage.
v. Reduction of feed intake.
vi. Watery or mucus discharge from the eye, nose, anus and mouth.
vii. Increased body temperature and respiratory rate.
Hygienic Measures:
General hygienic measures to be followed to control disease in rabbitry:
a. Rabbit farm should be located in elevated place with good ventilation.
b. The cages should be kept very clean.
c. There should be trees around the rabbit shed.
d. White washing should be done twice a year.
e. Lime solution should be applied below the cages twice a week.
f. In summer seasons water may be sprinkled.