Common Rabbit Parasites

For most rabbits living in a home setting, parasite prevention comes easy. Routine cleaning, healthy habits, and regular veterinary care keep most rabbits safe from these hard to spot pests. However, if you work in an animal shelter, have recently rescued a rabbit, or have allowed your rabbit outdoor playtime, the likelihood of witnessing a parasitic infection is quite high! In working with the municipal shelters, House Rabbit Society has helped diagnose and treat several parasites, leading to healthier lives for the rabbits in care. The following parasites are ones that are most commonly seen and easily treated.

Pinworms ( Passalurus Ambiguus) 

Rabbit pinworms are roundworm nematodes and distinctly different from the pinworms that affect humans. Typically, rabbits get pinworms by ingesting feces or food with eggs present. The eggs hatch and mature in the caecum and large intestine until they are shed in the rabbit droppings. The adult worms can be seen in rabbit’s round, dry droppings as small, white worms measuring 5 - 10 mm long making them easily seen by the naked eye! Though these worms rarely cause long term health issues, some effects of pinworm infestation included weight loss, lethargy and/or diarrhea.

Unless the rabbit is very young, pinworms are generally considered a cosmetic concern and less of a medical concern. For young rabbits, the gi upset that occurs from a pinworm infestation causes dehydration and malnutrition, stunting growth and potentially leading to death. Treatment can be prescribed by your primary care veterinarian and typically includes a course of oral parasiticide.

Botflies 

Botflies, also known as Warble Flies, Gadflies or Heel Flies, are flies whose life cycle depends on a host mammal to aid in their growth into adulthood. Depending on the species of botfly, the host mammal will be different. The botfly species Cuterebra horripilum and Cuterebra buccata specifically use rabbits as their host of choice. Rabbits come in contact with the botfly eggs when passing through a contaminated outdoor area and then enter the body through the mouth or nose during grooming. Eggs can also enter the body through open wounds if present. Once hatched, the larvae make their way to the subcutaneous tissue (the tissue just below the skin) and grow. The larvae create a breathing hole in the skin to allow for airflow during growth.  At the 30 day mark, the larvae exit the rabbit to continue their growth in the “pupa” stage and finally hatching as adult flies. The earlier the botfly infestation is caught, the less damage occurs to the skin.

Treatment is prescribed by your primary veterinarian and can include a combination of pain management, oral antibiotic and removal of the larva. Removal must be done by a skilled veterinary technician or veterinarian as rupturing the larva during removal will cause harm to your rabbit. Botflies can cause infections as well as abscesses under the skin that may require additional treatment by a veterinarian.

Mites

There are several species of pest that fall under the categories of fur or ear mites. The most common include Psoroptes cuniculi (common ear mite), Leporacarus gibbus (common fur mite) Cheyletiella parasitovorax. Typically a rabbit will come in contact with these pests while running through a contaminated area outdoors and by direct contact with a rabbit infected with mites. These mites cause irritation, flaky/crusting skin, lesions and/or hair loss. Location of the flaking and crusting will depend on the particular mite infestation but typically are found on or around the ear, back of the neck, along the spine or above the tail.

Treatment can be prescribed by your primary veterinarian and typically will consist of a topical medication. Mites can be very uncomfortable to the rabbit and cause severe pruritus (itching sensation). Ear mites are painful to remove, so avoid cleaning out the rabbit ears until the rabbit has been treated with an antiparasitic.

Fleas

Ctenocephalides canis or felis, are the most common types of fleas found on pet rabbits in the United States. These fleas primarily are brought into the home by dogs and indoor/outdoor cats. The most notable sign of a flea infestation is recurring scratching and the presence of “flea dirt.” “Flea dirt” is most predominantly seen at the back of the neck or along the spine where the fur is thinnest. It is characterized as dark, speckled, debris similar in appearance to fine ground black pepper. Fleas use rabbits as a food source, focusing on the intake of fresh blood acquired through biting. During this process, fleas can carry with them other infectious diseases such as RHDV (in the form of fomite). Treatment such as Advantage 2 for kittens can be bought over the counter and applied topically. However, here in the SF Bay Area, we have found Advantage to be less effective at resolving the infestation than the prescription alternatives. When treating for fleas it is important to treat all animals in the house as well as cleaning the environment to get rid of flea eggs and larvae.

Fly Strike

Fly strike, or myiasis, occurs when flies (such as bluebottles in the United States or greenbottles in the United Kingdom) lay eggs on a rabbit’s fur, maggots hatch, and they begin consuming the rabbit’s flesh as part of their life cycle. The flies are attracted to wet, soiled areas of the rabbit, most commonly the base of the spine. Fly strike can happen in any season, but it’s especially common during the summer when flies are most prevalent. Treatment is most effective when caught early and can include oral antibiotics, cleaning of the affected area and the removal of the maggots. With fly strike in particular it is important to act quickly as shock can occur within 24 hours and can be fatal. If you are concerned your rabbit has a fly strike, seek emergency veterinary care immediately!

Parasite Prevention

The easiest treatment for parasites is prevention! In most cases, parasites can be prevented using these easy lifestyle changes and additions to your daily cleaning routine. 

  • Keep your rabbit indoors.

  • Visit your primary care veterinarian annual for regular check ups

  • Use screens on windows and doors to keep flies out.

  • Regularly empty your rabbit’s litter box.

  • Regularly wash the blankets and other bedding items in your rabbit’s pen.

  • Prevent your rabbit’s fur from getting wet or soiled. Try using moisture-wicking fabrics like Palace Pet bedding.

  • Trim or shave your rabbit’s fur when necessary to keep them dry.

Whether it is parasite prevention, general wellness, emotional stimulation, or safety, housing your rabbit indoors with you is the healthiest option for both your rabbit and you.