Rabbits can suffer from both ectoparasites (external parasites) and endoparasites (internal parasites). Both can cause problems if left untreated..

You may be wondering; how do rabbits get parasites? or how do I know if my rabbit has parasites? We’ve put together some information on common rabbit parasites, so you know what to look out for in your rabbit.

What Are the Most Common External Parasites on Rabbits?

Mites

The most common mite seen in rabbits is Cheyletiella parasitovorax, also known as “walking dandruff”. Signs of infestation include itching, flaky skin (dandruff) and bald patches. Mites can also be seen moving around on your rabbit.

All rabbits have a small number of these 'walking dandruff' mites, but regular grooming and their immune system tend to keep them under control. Cheyletiellosis is zoonotic, meaning it can affect humans too causing itchy red lesions on the skin.

Leporacus gibbus, also known as the “fur mite”, is also seen in rabbits. Eggs may be seen on the rabbit’s hair shafts. They’re very small but are just about visible to the naked eye! These mites also cause fur loss but can be carried around by your rabbit without any obvious signs of infestation, but some rabbits get hypersensitivity reactions to this mite causing severe itching.

Ear mites (Psoroptes cuniculi) are also a common problem for rabbits. They irritate the lining of the rabbit’s ears causing serum to ooze that forms thick crusts inside the ear canal. This condition causes intense irritation, so signs of infestation include headshaking and ear scratching. In severe cases head tilt and even seizures may be seen.

Fleas

Rabbits can get fleas, but it’s not very common! The European rabbit flea, Spilopsyllus cuniculi, is the most common one found on rabbits. It’s a common vector for myxomatosis which means infection can be transferred from one rabbit to another. Because of this, ensuring your rabbit is up to date with their myxomatosis vaccination is essential.

Cat and dog fleas can also infect rabbits. Signs that your rabbit has fleas include black dirt in the fur (flea poo), itching, irritated skin, thin fur, bald patches, and bleeding. Severe flea infestations can also cause anaemia.

Lice

Lice can be a problem for rabbits, but it’s rare. The rabbit louse (Haemodipsus ventricosus) is a sucking louse that lay eggs (nits) on the rabbit’s fur. When the lice hatch, they can be seen moving on the rabbit’s skin. Infestations can cause itching, thinning of the fur, bald patches, and sore skin from where the rabbit has scratched itself, and in severe cases they may lose weight.

Ticks

Rabbits don’t get ticks very often, but it is possible. Ticks commonly found in the UK are Ixodes ticks. These ticks can carry Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria which causes Lyme disease in rabbits, other pets, and humans.

Signs that your rabbit has been bitten by a tick include limping and swollen joints, fever, poor appetite, and neurological issues. Unlike humans, rabbits don’t seem to get classic “bull’s eye” skin lesions so a bite can be difficult to spot.

What Are the Most Common Internal Parasites in Rabbits?

Coccidia

These are one of the most common intestinal parasites in rabbits - infection occurs when a rabbit eats the poo of an infected rabbit. Coccidia can live in your rabbit’s environment for months, so keeping their enclosure clean is essential to help prevent it. These parasites are microscopic but can cause liver damage and even death in severe cases. Signs of coccidiosis in rabbits can include anorexia, weight loss and diarrhoea.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi

E. cuniculi is a protozoal parasite that affects rabbits, other animals including dogs and cats, and humans, particularly those that are immunosuppressed. Protozoal parasites are microscopic, so are naked to the human eye. E. cuniculi infection is very common in pet rabbits.

E. cuniculi are shed in an infected animal’s wee and transmitted when a rabbit ingests contaminated food or water. It affects the nervous system and kidneys. Affected rabbits may show signs of limb weakness, head tilt, paralysis, and urinary incontinence. A 28-day course of oral fenbendazole is the general treatment of choice for treating E. cuniculi.

Pinworm

Rabbits often become infected with pinworms by eating the poo of other infected animals. This tends to happen when food, water or bedding becomes contaminated. Luckily, they’re not a serious problem but can cause your rabbit to have an itchy bottom. If they’re not treated, infestation can cause poor body condition too.

Tapeworm

Tapeworm infection is less common, but can still affect rabbits, especially if they live with other pets like cats and dogs. Rabbit worms can be transmitted if your rabbit eats a flea or parasite already infected with tapeworm. Heavy infestations can cause diarrhoea and weight loss.

How Will My Vet Diagnose Rabbit Parasites?

When it comes to external parasites, your vet will initially look for any obvious parasites on your rabbit’s skin. If they can’t see any, they will need to do some tests. For mites and lice your vet will take some skin and/or hair samples to look at under the microscope. If either of these parasites are present, your vet will visibly be able to see them on the microscope slide and identify the parasite in question.

Your vet will check for fleas by testing any black dirt found in their fur. If a tick bite is suspected with the possibility of Lyme disease, a skin biopsy and blood samples may be needed to identify the offending bacteria.

With most intestinal parasites, your vet will examine your rabbit for any obvious clinical signs. They’ll also take a sample of your rabbit’s poo and test it to identify the parasite in question. Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection on the other hand is diagnosed with blood tests and sometimes urine samples.

How to Treat Parasites in Rabbits

Check your rabbit over every day for signs of external parasites. Dry flaky skin, thinning fur, bald patches, sore skin, black dirt in the fur, excessive scratching and ear shaking are all signs of a problem. Make sure your rabbit’s enclosure and bedding is kept clean. And avoid stressful situations, because a rabbit that is stressed or ill, is more likely to succumb to a parasite problem.

If your rabbit does have a parasite infestation, contact your vet asap! They’ll be able to identify the parasite and will advise on the best treatment for your rabbit. A spot-on treatment or injection that kill parasites may be needed.

External parasites are often spread between pets in the same household, so if you have cats and dogs, they should be treated at the same. If severe infestation has caused a skin infection, your bunny may need antibiotics too.

Good hygiene is essential for the prevention of internal parasites in rabbits. Ensure your rabbit is kept in clean dry conditions. Using a hay rack rather than feeding hay off the floor can also prevent your bunny from eating contaminated hay. And if you introduce a new bunny to your group, quarantining them for a period is good practise too.

Intestinal parasites can be treated with anti-parasitic medications. Medications are usually given orally, but your vet will explain everything to you depending on the drug they prescribe your rabbit. Common rabbit parasites can be a real pest for your furry friend.

Prevention is the name of the game. If your rabbit’s environment is kept clean, you should avoid any serious infestations or infections. If your rabbit does need treating though, call your vet as soon as possible. Parasitic conditions left untreated can cause further problems, even death.

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