Diseases that
may be acquired from rabbits
This list includes pathogens and parasites that were
found in domestic rabbits - rescued rabbits living among wildlife, pet rabbits housed
outside, and rabbit living inside. Walls or barriers will not prevent a rabbit
from acquiring these pathogens or parasites. This does not mean that a rabbit
will host any of those listed here, and if so, will automatically transmit it
to man. While it is likely that no harm is caused in a healthy person, do not
take chances and keep basic hygiene rules, including regular washing of hands. Immunocompromised persons should, however, take
precautionary measures. In case of doubt, please consult a physician.
|
Viral diseases |
Herpes
virus can be transmitted from affected human beings to the rabbit |
|
Rabies |
|
Bacterial diseases |
Pasteurellosis |
|
Salmonellosis |
|
|
Bordetella sp. |
|
|
Tularemia (Francisella tularensis) in wild-living rabbits |
|
|
Brucellosis |
|
|
Plague (Yersinia pestis) in
wild-living rabbits |
|
|
Q-fever (Rickettsia) in wild-living rabbits |
|
Protozoal diseases: |
Encephalitozoonosis (in immunocompromised
persons) |
|
Toxoplasmosis (no direct transmission) |
|
|
Giardiasis |
|
Fungal diseases |
Dermatophytosis |
|
Microsporum sp. |
|
|
Trichophyton mentagrophytes |
|
Parasitic skin diseases |
Acariasis (any disease caused by an acarid
mite)
|
Cheyletiella sp. infestations
(easily contagious)
|
|
|
Sarcoptes scabiei infestations (easily contagious) |
|
|
Fleas |
|
|
Ticks |
|
Parasitic intestinal diseases or else |
Filariasis |
|
Trichostrongylidosis |
|
Baylisascaris procyonis
|
Thanks to Kim Chilson, for her
lovely illustrations
e-mail: info@medirabbit.com
