21/11/2021
Rabbits can be affected by mange, caused by burrowing mites. Sarcoptes sp. is encountered all over the world, though not with equal frequency.
These parasites spread rapidly from one rabbit to another, through nymphs and larvae that live on the surface of the skin. Only the adult female will dig into the skin and make tunnels where it lays up to 5 eggs, with a maximum of 50 during her whole life.
Wounds appear first on the lips and nose, later around the head, neck, and sometimes around the genitalia. Burrowing mites (mange) will lead to heavy scratching by the rabbit, which will also lick the affected areas. This leads to alopecia (loss of fur). Often one can observe the secretion of a watery stuff that forms crusts upon drying.
Severe infestation leads to anemia and leucopenia (decrease of white cells in the blood). The rabbit becomes lethargic and can die within a few weeks.
