ZOONOSES OF RABBITS
Use of animals from approved vendors and proper use of personal protective equipment makes the risk of transmission of these diseases unlikely.
PATHOGEN
TRANSMISSION
Cheyletiella spp.
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direct contact
Dermatophytosis
“Ringworm”
Rotaviral enteritis

direct contact

direct contact,
fecal-oral
Pastuerella multocida
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Sarcoptes scabiei
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ANIMAL DISEASE
common
generalized dermatitis
superficial infection of skin
keratinization, crusting, inflammation
vomiting, diarrhea in young animals
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wound infection,
inhalation
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direct contact,
fomites
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very common
serous, purulent nasal and ocular
exudate
sneezing, coughing, wheezing
abscessation at bite wounds
may lead to septicemia and death
usually infests face, ears, forelimbs
vesicle or papule formation,
keratinization
alopecia with intense pruritus
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Tularemia
(Francisella tularensis)
Yersinia
pseudotuberculosis
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HUMAN DISEASE
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direct contact,
wound infection,
flea/tick vector
direct contact,
fecal-oral
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highly susceptible, acute disease,
death
weakness, fever, ulcers, abscesses
lymphadenopathy of head, neck
anorexia, diarrhea, depression
catarhal enteritis, osteomyelitis
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pruritic rash, papular eruptions on
hands, arms, thorax, waist, thighs
superficial infection of skin
keratinization, crusting, inflammation
vomiting, profuse, watery diarrhea
hemolytic uremia, DIC in young
children
localized infection at wound site
bronchitis, pneumonia if inhaled
usually infests face, ears, forelimbs,
torso
vesicle or papule formation,
keratinization
alopecia with intense pruritus
lymphadenopathy, necrotic ulceration
fever, conjunctivitis,
bronchopneumonia
abdominal pain, fever, vomiting
septicemia if immunocompromised
References
Acha, PN and B Szyfres. 1989. Zoonoses and Communicable Diseases Common to Man and Animals. Pan American Health Organization,
Washington, D.C.
Hillyer, EV and KE Quesenberry. 1997. Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery. WB Saunders Co., Philadelphia, PA.
Harkness, JE and JE Wagner. 1995. The Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents. Williams & Wilkins, Media, PA.
1/10/14
Manning, PJ, DH Ringler and CE Newcomer. 1994. The Biology of the Laboratory Rabbit. Academic Press, San Diego, CA.
1/10/14