The Most Dangerous Rabbit Illnesses and Their Symptoms

The most dangerous rabbit illnesses include Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV), Myxomatosis, and Gastrointestinal (GI) Stasis. RHDV and Myxomatosis are highly contagious viral diseases often fatal, while GI Stasis is a life-threatening digestive shutdown. Recognizing symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, or sudden death is critical for immediate veterinary care and potential survival.

Bringing a rabbit into your home can be a truly joyful experience, but it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring their health and well-being. Unfortunately, rabbits are susceptible to several serious illnesses that can quickly become life-threatening if not identified and treated promptly. Many new rabbit owners find themselves overwhelmed by the subtle signs of illness or the sheer speed at which a rabbit’s condition can deteriorate. It’s a common concern, and understanding these dangers is the first step toward prevention and effective care. You’re in the right place to learn about the most critical health threats to your furry friend. This article will walk you through the dangerous illnesses, their tell-tale symptoms, and crucial steps you can take to protect your beloved bunny.

The Most Dangerous Rabbit Illnesses and Their Symptoms

Rabbits are masters at hiding signs of illness, a survival instinct that makes early detection challenging. However, knowing what to look for can be the difference between life and death. Here, we delve into the most dangerous diseases that can affect rabbits, outlining their symptoms, causes, and crucial prevention strategies.

1. Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV1 & RHDV2)

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV), sometimes called Viral Hemorrhagic Disease (VHD), is an extremely contagious and often fatal calicivirus. It exists in two main strains: RHDV1 and RHDV2. RHDV2 is currently the most prevalent and concerning strain globally, affecting both domestic and wild rabbits, including hares and pikas, which were previously thought to be immune to RHDV1. This disease is a nightmare for rabbit owners due to its rapid progression and high mortality rate.

Symptoms

• Sudden Death: Often, the first and only sign is finding the rabbit deceased, without any prior symptoms.
• Lethargy and Weakness: Rabbits may become listless, unwilling to move, and show a general lack of energy.
• Loss of Appetite (Anorexia): Refusal to eat or drink is a critical warning sign.
• Fever: An elevated body temperature may be present.
• Respiratory Distress: Difficulty breathing, gasping, or nasal discharge.
• Neurological Signs: In some cases, tremors, seizures, or incoordination may be observed.
• Bleeding: Hemorrhages from the nose, mouth, or rectum, or blood in the urine or feces, though often internal and not always visible.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (less common).

Causes/Transmission

RHDV is highly resilient and can spread through various means:

• Direct Contact: With infected rabbits or their bodily fluids (urine, feces, nasal secretions).
• Indirect Contact: Via contaminated objects (fomites) such as cages, bedding, food bowls, clothing, shoes, and even hands.
• Insects: Biting insects like fleas and mosquitoes can act as vectors, carrying the virus from one rabbit to another.
• Predators/Scavengers: Birds and other animals that consume infected carcasses can spread the virus through their droppings.
• Aerosol: The virus can potentially spread through airborne particles over short distances.

Treatment & Prevention

There is no specific cure for RHDV. Treatment is supportive, focusing on managing symptoms, but survival rates are very low. Prevention is paramount:

• Vaccination: This is the most effective preventative measure. Consult your veterinarian about the RHDV2 vaccine available in your region. Multiple doses may be required, followed by annual boosters.
• Biosecurity:
  • Quarantine new rabbits for at least 30 days.
  • Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling rabbits.
  • Disinfect all equipment (cages, bowls, toys) regularly with a virucidal disinfectant.
  • Control insects (fleas, mosquitoes) in and around rabbit housing.
  • Avoid contact with wild rabbits.
  • Do not feed rabbits forage from areas where wild rabbits live.
• Environmental Control: Keep rabbit housing clean and secure, preventing access by wild animals.

For more detailed information on RHDV, you can refer to authoritative sources like the USDA APHIS website or the MSD Veterinary Manual.

2. Myxomatosis

Myxomatosis is another highly lethal viral disease unique to rabbits, caused by the myxoma virus. It is particularly devastating to European rabbits and their domestic descendants. The disease is characterized by skin lesions and severe swelling, leading to a slow and painful death in most cases.

Symptoms

• “Sleepy Eye” Appearance: Swelling and inflammation around the eyes, making them appear half-closed or sticky with discharge.
• Swelling: Prominent swelling of the eyelids, lips, nose, ears, and genital region. These swellings are often gelatinous.
• Nodules/Lumps: Formation of characteristic firm, jelly-like nodules (myxomas) on the skin, especially on the face, ears, and paws.
• Loss of Appetite and Lethargy: Rabbits become depressed, stop eating, and show little interest in their surroundings.
• Fever: Elevated body temperature.
• Respiratory Distress: Difficulty breathing due to swelling in the nasal passages, leading to a runny nose and labored breathing.
• Secondary Bacterial Infections: The compromised immune system and open lesions often lead to secondary infections, particularly pneumonia, which is usually the ultimate cause of death.

Causes/Transmission

Myxomatosis is primarily spread by:

• Biting Insects: Fleas and mosquitoes are the main vectors, carrying the virus from infected rabbits to healthy ones.
• Direct Contact: Less common, but can occur through close contact with infected rabbits or their secretions.
• Fomites: Contaminated equipment or bedding can also transmit the virus.

Treatment & Prevention

There is no specific antiviral treatment for myxomatosis. Supportive care can be attempted, but the prognosis is generally poor, and euthanasia is often recommended to prevent prolonged suffering. Prevention is key:

• Vaccination: Effective vaccines are available in many regions (though not all, depending on local regulations and strain prevalence). Discuss vaccination with your vet, especially if you live in an endemic area.
• Insect Control: Protect your rabbit from fleas and mosquitoes. Use appropriate rabbit-safe flea treatments and mosquito netting, especially for outdoor rabbits.
• Biosecurity:
  • Keep rabbits indoors, particularly during peak insect seasons, or use fine mesh screens on outdoor hutches.
  • Regularly clean and disinfect housing.
  • Avoid contact with wild rabbits.

3. Gastrointestinal (GI) Stasis

Gastrointestinal (GI) Stasis is not an infection but a life-threatening condition where the normal muscular contractions of the stomach and intestines slow down or stop entirely. This leads to a painful buildup of gas, food, and hair, which can cause severe dehydration and organ damage. It is one of the most common emergencies seen in rabbits and requires immediate veterinary intervention.

Symptoms

• Loss of Appetite (Anorexia): Refusal to eat hay, pellets, or treats. This is often the first and most critical sign.
• Reduced or Absent Feces: Fewer droppings than usual, or no droppings at all. Droppings may also be smaller, misshapen, or covered in mucus.
• Lethargy and Hunching: Rabbits may become withdrawn, sit hunched in a corner, or refuse to move.
• Pain: Signs of pain include teeth grinding (bruxism), pressing their abdomen to the floor, or a tense abdomen.
• Bloating: The abdomen may feel hard or distended due to gas buildup.
• Lack of Energy: General weakness and unwillingness to groom or interact.

Causes

GI stasis is rarely a primary disease; it’s usually a symptom of an underlying problem. Common causes include:

• Insufficient Fiber: A diet low in hay and high in pellets or sugary treats. Hay is essential for gut motility.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water.
• Stress: Changes in environment, new pets, loud noises, or illness.
• Pain: From dental disease, urinary tract infections, arthritis, or other conditions.
• Hairballs: While rabbits cannot vomit, ingested hair can accumulate and block the digestive tract, especially if gut motility is already slow.
• Lack of Exercise: Insufficient activity can slow down digestion.

Treatment & Prevention

GI stasis is an emergency. If you suspect your rabbit has GI stasis, contact an experienced rabbit veterinarian immediately. Do not wait.

• Emergency Veterinary Care: Treatment typically involves pain medication, gut motility drugs, subcutaneous or intravenous fluids for hydration, and assisted feeding (e.g., Oxbow Critical Care).
• Diet: Ensure a diet primarily composed of high-quality hay (80-90% of their diet), with a small amount of fresh greens and limited pellets.
• Hydration: Always provide fresh water, ideally in both a bottle and a heavy ceramic bowl.
• Exercise: Provide ample space and opportunities for daily exercise.
• Grooming: Regular grooming, especially for long-haired breeds, can help reduce hair ingestion.
• Stress Reduction: Maintain a stable, quiet environment.
• Regular Vet Check-ups: Address underlying issues like dental problems promptly.

4. Pasteurellosis (Snuffles)

Pasteurellosis, commonly known as “Snuffles,” is a bacterial infection caused by Pasteurella multocida. This bacterium is widespread in rabbit populations, and many rabbits carry it without showing symptoms. However, under stress or when their immune system is compromised, the bacteria can proliferate and cause a range of serious infections, particularly in the respiratory tract.

Symptoms

• Nasal Discharge: Clear, white, or yellowish discharge from the nose, often matted on the inner front paws from cleaning.
• Sneezing and Coughing: Frequent sneezing, sometimes accompanied by a cough.
• Watery Eyes (Conjunctivitis): Red, swollen eyes with discharge.
• Head Tilt (Wry Neck/Torticollis): If the infection spreads to the inner ear, it can cause loss of balance and a persistent head tilt.
• Abscesses: Lumps under the skin, often around the head or jaw, or internally in organs.
• Difficulty Breathing: Labored breathing, especially if pneumonia develops.
• Loss of Appetite and Lethargy: General signs of illness.

Causes/Transmission

Pasteurella multocida is spread through:

• Direct Contact: Nose-to-nose contact with infected rabbits.
• Aerosol: Sneezing and coughing can spread airborne droplets.
• Contaminated Environment: Shared food bowls, water bottles, and bedding.
• Stress: Factors like poor ventilation, overcrowding, malnutrition, or other illnesses can trigger an outbreak in carrier rabbits.

Treatment & Prevention

Treatment involves antibiotics, often for an extended period, as Pasteurella can be difficult to eradicate. Relapses are common. Abscesses may require surgical drainage or removal.

• Veterinary Consultation: A vet will diagnose and prescribe appropriate antibiotics.
• Environmental Management:
  • Maintain excellent hygiene in housing.
  • Ensure good ventilation without drafts.
  • Avoid overcrowding.
  • Reduce stress factors.
• Quarantine: Isolate new rabbits for at least 30 days to monitor for signs of illness.
• Nutrition: Provide a balanced, high-fiber diet to support the immune system.

5. Encephalitozoon Cuniculi (E. cuniculi)

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligate intracellular parasite that can cause serious neurological and kidney disease in rabbits. Many rabbits are asymptomatic carriers, shedding spores in their urine without showing signs of illness. However, when the rabbit’s immune system is compromised, or under stress, the parasite can become active and cause severe disease.

Symptoms

• Neurological Signs:
  • Head Tilt (Wry Neck/Torticollis): One of the most common and recognizable signs.
  • Loss of Balance/Ataxia: Difficulty coordinating movements, stumbling.
  • Nystagmus: Rapid, involuntary eye movements.
  • Seizures: Less common but can occur.
  • Paralysis: Weakness or paralysis of hind limbs.
• Kidney Disease:
  • Increased thirst and urination.
  • Weight loss.
  • Lethargy.
• Eye Problems:
  • Cataracts (often seen as a white spot in the eye, especially in younger rabbits).
  • Uveitis (inflammation of the eye).

Causes/Transmission

E. cuniculi is primarily transmitted through:

• Ingestion of Contaminated Urine: Rabbits ingest spores shed in the urine of infected rabbits. This can happen through shared food, water, or bedding.
• Transplacental Transmission: Infected mother rabbits can pass the parasite to their kits in utero.

Treatment & Prevention

Treatment typically involves anti-parasitic medications (e.g., fenbendazole) for several weeks, along with supportive care for neurological symptoms (e.g., anti-inflammatories, anti-nausea drugs). Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best chance of recovery, though some neurological damage may be permanent.

• Veterinary Diagnosis: Blood tests can indicate exposure, but diagnosis of active disease is often based on symptoms and response to treatment.
• Hygiene: Regular cleaning and disinfection of cages, especially areas contaminated with urine, can help reduce spore transmission.
• Quarantine: Isolate new rabbits.
• Water Quality: Ensure fresh, clean water is always available.
• Stress Reduction: Minimize stress to help prevent active disease in carrier rabbits.

6. Flystrike (Myiasis)

Flystrike is an acute, rapidly progressive, and often fatal condition caused by flies laying eggs on a rabbit, typically around the hindquarters. The eggs hatch into maggots, which then burrow into the rabbit’s flesh, feeding on live tissue. This is an excruciatingly painful condition that can lead to shock, secondary infections, and death within 24-48 hours if untreated. It is most common in warm, humid weather.

Symptoms

• Maggots: Visible maggots in the fur, especially around the tail, anus, and genital area. They may also be seen burrowing into the skin.
• Foul Odor: A distinct, unpleasant smell emanating from the affected area.
• Lethargy and Weakness: The rabbit becomes listless, unwilling to move, and appears depressed.
• Loss of Appetite: Refusal to eat or drink.
• Pain: Signs of pain include teeth grinding, restlessness, or self-mutilation of the affected area.
• Wet/Matted Fur: Around the hindquarters due to urine or feces.
• Shock: Pale gums, rapid breathing, and collapse in severe cases.

Causes

Flystrike primarily affects rabbits that are unable to keep their hindquarters clean, attracting flies. Risk factors include:

• Diarrhea or Soft Stools: Fecal matter matted in the fur provides an ideal breeding ground for flies.
• Obesity: Overweight rabbits may struggle to reach and clean their hindquarters.
• Dental Disease: Pain from dental issues can lead to reduced grooming.
• Arthritis or Mobility Issues: Older rabbits or those with joint problems may not be able to groom effectively.
• Open Wounds: Any skin lesion can attract flies.
• Unsanitary Housing: Dirty bedding and accumulated feces attract flies.

Treatment & Prevention

Flystrike is a dire emergency. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial. The vet will remove the maggots, clean the wounds, administer pain relief, antibiotics, and fluids. The prognosis depends on the extent of the infestation and how quickly treatment is initiated.

• Daily Checks: Inspect your rabbit’s hindquarters daily, especially in warm weather.
• Hygiene: Keep your rabbit’s hutch meticulously clean. Remove soiled bedding and feces daily.
• Diet: Ensure a high-fiber diet to prevent soft stools and diarrhea.
• Grooming: Keep your rabbit’s fur clean and dry, especially around the tail. Trim long fur if necessary.
• Fly Control: Use fly screens on hutches, fly traps, or consider veterinary-approved fly repellents or preventative treatments (e.g., Rearguard, which contains cyromazine). Fly traps can also help reduce the fly population around outdoor enclosures.
• Address Underlying Issues: Treat any conditions that predispose your rabbit to flystrike, such as dental disease or arthritis.

7. Dental Disease

While not an acute illness like RHDV or Myxomatosis, chronic dental disease is incredibly dangerous because it leads to a cascade of other life-threatening problems, including GI stasis, abscesses, and starvation. A rabbit’s teeth grow continuously throughout its life, and proper wear is essential for health.

Symptoms

• Reduced Eating/Anorexia: Especially refusal of hay or hard foods. They may drop food while eating (quidding).
• Weight Loss: Gradual but significant.
• Drooling/Wet Chin: Due to malocclusion (misalignment) of incisors or molars.
• Eye Discharge: If tooth roots grow into the tear ducts, blocking drainage.
• Nasal Discharge: If tooth roots grow into the nasal cavity or cause abscesses.
• Facial Swelling/Lumps: Abscesses forming on the jaw or under the eyes.
• Lethargy and Pain: Signs of discomfort, such as teeth grinding (bruxism).
• Changes in Feces: Smaller, fewer, or misshapen droppings due to reduced food intake.

Causes

The primary cause of dental disease is an improper diet:

• Insufficient Hay: A diet lacking in abrasive, long-stemmed hay prevents proper wear of continuously growing teeth.
• Genetics: Some rabbits are predisposed to malocclusion.
• Trauma: Injuries to the jaw or teeth.

Treatment & Prevention

Treatment often involves regular dental procedures by an experienced rabbit vet to burr down overgrown teeth under anesthesia. Abscesses require surgical drainage and antibiotics.

• Diet: Provide an unlimited supply of high-quality hay (Timothy, Orchard, Meadow hay) as the cornerstone of their diet. This is the single most important preventative measure.
• Chew Toys: Offer safe, untreated wooden chew toys to encourage gnawing.
• Regular Vet Checks: Annual or semi-annual check-ups by a rabbit-savvy vet to monitor dental health.

8. Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by microscopic protozoa called coccidia (genus Eimeria). It primarily affects the intestines and is particularly dangerous for young rabbits (kits) and those under stress or with compromised immune systems. It can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and high mortality rates in young animals.

Symptoms

• Diarrhea: Often severe, watery, and sometimes bloody.
• Dehydration: Due to fluid loss from diarrhea.
• Weight Loss/Failure to Thrive: Especially in young rabbits, they may appear stunted or emaciated.
• Lethargy and Weakness: General signs of illness.
• Bloated Abdomen: Can be seen in severe cases.
• Loss of Appetite: Refusal to eat.
• Sudden Death: Particularly in kits, without many prior symptoms.

Causes/Transmission

Coccidia are transmitted through the fecal-oral route:

• Ingestion of Oocysts: Rabbits ingest sporulated oocysts (eggs) from contaminated feces, food, water, or bedding.
• Contaminated Environment: Dirty cages, overcrowding, and poor sanitation facilitate the spread.
• Stress: Weaning, transportation, or other stressors can trigger an outbreak in carrier rabbits.

Treatment & Prevention

Treatment involves anti-coccidial medications (e.g., sulfadimethoxine or toltrazuril) prescribed by a veterinarian, along with supportive care for dehydration. Prevention is crucial, especially in breeding colonies.

• Hygiene: Meticulous cleaning and disinfection of cages and feeding equipment. Coccidia oocysts are very resistant, so steam cleaning or specific disinfectants are often needed.
• Elevated Feeders: Use crocks or feeders that prevent fecal contamination of food and water.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Provide adequate space for each rabbit.
• Quarantine: Isolate new rabbits and test their feces for coccidia.
• Stress Reduction: Maintain a stable, clean environment.

Table: Summary of Dangerous Rabbit Illnesses and Key Symptoms

This table provides a quick reference for the most critical symptoms to watch for with some of the most dangerous rabbit illnesses.

Illness	Key Symptoms to Watch For	Urgency
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV)	Sudden death, lethargy, loss of appetite, bleeding from orifices, fever.	Extreme Emergency (often fatal, highly contagious)
Myxomatosis	Swelling around eyes/face/genitals, “sleepy eye,” nodules on skin, respiratory distress, lethargy.	Extreme Emergency (often fatal, highly contagious)
Gastrointestinal (GI) Stasis	No eating/drinking, no feces, hunched posture, lethargy, pain (teeth grinding), bloated abdomen.	Immediate Emergency (life-threatening within hours)
Pasteurellosis (Snuffles)	Nasal discharge, sneezing, watery eyes, head tilt, abscesses, difficulty breathing.	Urgent (can become chronic and severe)
E. cuniculi	Head tilt, loss of balance, nystagmus, seizures, hind limb weakness, cataracts, increased thirst/urination.	Urgent (can cause permanent neurological damage)
Flystrike (Myiasis)	Visible maggots, foul odor, lethargy, loss of appetite, pain, matted fur around hindquarters.	Immediate Emergency (rapidly fatal)
Dental Disease	Reduced eating (especially hay), weight loss, drooling, eye/nasal discharge, facial swelling, teeth grinding.	Urgent/Chronic (leads to other life-threatening conditions)
Coccidiosis	Severe diarrhea (sometimes bloody), dehydration, weight loss, lethargy, bloated abdomen (especially in kits).	Urgent (especially dangerous for young rabbits)

General Prevention and Promoting Rabbit Health

While specific vaccinations and treatments exist for some diseases, a proactive approach to general health and welfare is the best defense against many dangerous rabbit illnesses. Prevention is always better than cure, especially with animals as delicate as rabbits.

1. Proper Diet is Paramount

• Unlimited Hay: High-quality, fresh hay (like Timothy, Orchard, or Meadow hay) should make up 80-90% of your rabbit’s diet. It provides essential fiber for digestive health and helps wear down their continuously growing teeth.
• Fresh Greens: A variety of safe, washed leafy greens daily (e.g., romaine lettuce, kale, cilantro, parsley).
• Limited Pellets: A small amount of high-fiber, plain pellets (without seeds or colorful bits) appropriate for their age and weight.
• Fresh Water: Always provide clean, fresh water in both a ceramic bowl and a sipper bottle.

2. Clean and Safe Environment

• Daily Cleaning: Remove soiled bedding and feces daily.
• Weekly Deep Clean: Thoroughly clean and disinfect the entire enclosure weekly using rabbit-safe cleaners.
• Spacious Housing: Ensure your rabbit has enough space to move, stretch, and play. Overcrowding is a major stressor and disease spreader.
• Temperature Control: Protect rabbits from extreme heat and cold. They are sensitive to both.
• Pest Control: Implement measures to control flies, mosquitoes, and fleas, especially for outdoor rabbits.

3. Regular Veterinary Check-ups

• Rabbit-Savvy Vet: Find a veterinarian experienced with rabbits. Not all vets are equally knowledgeable about exotic pets.
• Annual Health Checks: Even if your rabbit appears healthy, annual check-ups are vital for early detection of dental issues, weight changes, and other subtle signs of illness.
• Vaccinations: Discuss available vaccines (RHDV, Myxomatosis) with your vet and follow their recommendations.

4. Daily Health Monitoring

• Observe Appetite and Thirst: Any change in eating or drinking habits is a red flag.
• Check Droppings: Normal droppings are round, firm, and numerous. Changes in size, shape, or quantity warrant concern.
• Energy Levels: A sudden decrease in activity or lethargy is a sign of illness.
• Grooming Habits: Watch for matted fur, especially around the hindquarters, or excessive grooming.
• Behavioral Changes: Hiding, aggression, or reluctance to be handled can indicate pain or illness.

5. Stress Reduction

Stress can suppress a rabbit’s immune system, making them more susceptible to disease. Provide a quiet, secure environment. Avoid sudden loud noises, aggressive handling, or constant changes in their routine.

By understanding these dangerous illnesses and implementing proactive care, you significantly increase your rabbit’s chances of living a long, healthy, and happy life. Remember, if you ever suspect your rabbit is ill, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian immediately. Time is often of the essence with rabbit health.

For those interested in responsible pet ownership, understanding the needs of various animals is key. For example, learning about suitable companions can be as important as understanding illnesses. You might find our guide on 15 Best Dog Breeds for Kids and Families helpful if you’re considering other pets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rabbit Illnesses

Here are some common questions rabbit owners have about illnesses and their care.

Q1: How can I tell if my rabbit is sick?

A1: Rabbits are prey animals and instinctively hide illness. Look for subtle changes: reduced appetite or thirst, fewer or abnormal droppings, lethargy, hunched posture, teeth grinding (a sign of pain), discharge from eyes or nose, matted fur, or a sudden change in behavior (e.g., hiding more, aggression). Any of these signs warrant immediate veterinary attention.

Q2: What should I do if my rabbit stops eating?

A2: A rabbit not eating is a medical emergency. It can quickly lead to GI stasis, which is life-threatening. Contact your rabbit-savvy veterinarian immediately. Do not try to force-feed without veterinary guidance, but ensure they have access to fresh water. Your vet will need to determine the underlying cause and start treatment.

Q3: Are there any vaccinations for rabbits?

A3: Yes, there are vaccines available for some of the most dangerous rabbit diseases, primarily Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV1 & RHDV2) and Myxomatosis. The availability and specific recommendations vary by region. It is crucial to discuss vaccination protocols with your veterinarian, especially if your rabbit spends time outdoors or lives in an area where these diseases are prevalent.

Q4: How often should I take my rabbit to the vet?

A4: Healthy adult rabbits should have an annual check-up with a rabbit-savvy veterinarian. Young rabbits (kits) may need initial check-ups and vaccinations. Older rabbits or those with chronic conditions may require more frequent visits. Regular check-ups are essential for early detection of common issues like dental disease.

Q5: Can humans catch diseases from rabbits?

A5: While rare, some diseases can be transmitted from rabbits to humans (zoonotic diseases). Examples include certain types of ringworm, salmonellosis, and tularemia. Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands after handling your rabbit or cleaning their enclosure, significantly reduces this risk. Most dangerous rabbit illnesses discussed in this article, like RHDV and Myxomatosis, are not transmissible to humans.

Q6: What is GI stasis and why is it so dangerous?

A6: GI stasis is when a rabbit’s digestive system slows down or stops moving entirely. It’s dangerous because food and gas build up, causing severe pain, dehydration, and potentially liver damage. It’s often caused by a low-fiber diet, stress, pain from other conditions (like dental issues), or lack of exercise. It’s a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary care.

Q7: How can I prevent flystrike in my rabbit?

A7: Flystrike is prevented by maintaining excellent hygiene. Daily check your rabbit’s hindquarters, especially in warm weather, for any signs of wetness or fecal matter. Keep their hutch meticulously clean, ensure a high-fiber diet to prevent soft stools, and address any underlying health issues (like arthritis or dental disease) that might prevent your rabbit from self-grooming. Fly screens and vet-approved fly repellents can also be used.