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COMMON DISEASES OF RABBITS: PREVENTION AND CONTROL:RABBIT FARMING CHALLENGES

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Rabbits like every other livestock,are affected by different kinds of diseases some of which affects the Farmer's maximum or expected yield. Some common diseases and problems seen in rabbits can be prevented by ensuring you have an understanding of what a healthy rabbit requires and the subtle signs that can tell you your rabbit is sick. Rabbits are domesticated mammals, but it should be remembered that they are very closely related to wild rabbits, and as such will hide signs of illness until they are very sick as this would make them “easy prey” in nature. We encourage you pay close attention to your rabbit, a correct diet, up to date vaccinations and regular health checks to ensure you pick up the early signs of problems, and prevent developing diseases.

Ear canker and skin mange
Uterine tumor
Myxomatosis

Below are common diseases of Rabbits and how it can be controlled.
1. EAR CANKER AND SKIN MANGE(SKIN SORES)
External parasites like mites causes this conditions in Rabbits. With ear canker, the entire ear maybe filled with crusty scabs. It spreads on to the face. Rabbits with ear canker shakes head a great deal.
CONTROL
Dipping diseased animals in acaricide solution

2. UTERINE TUMOURES
Uterine adenocarcinoma is a malignant cancer of the uterus and is the most common type of cancer seen in rabbits. Cancer may be preceded by or occur simultaneously with inflammation of the uterus and other common uterine disorders (endometriosis, endometritis, endometrial hyperplasia, or endometrial venous aneurysms). It should be suspected anytime an un-desexed female rabbit becomes sick.
Clinical signs
i. Blood stained vaginal discharge,
ii. Aggressive behaviour,
iii. Mammary gland cysts and lethargy.
Prevention
Desexing early at 4-6 months of age.
Desexing is the removal of the testes in male rabbits, or the ovaries and uterus in female rabbits.
Control
If it has occurred, surgery to remove the tumors will help.

3. MYXOMATOSIS
Myxomatosis is a viral disease and the virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, fleas or by close contact between an infected rabbit and a susceptible rabbit.
Symptoms
i. Swelling and discharge from the eyes, nose and anogenital region.
Prevention
i. Construct a mosquito proof rabbit hutch ii. Flea control can help
iii. Isolate new rabbits for two weeks
Treatment
No treatment available

4. COCCIDIOSIS
This is the most common disease in Rabbits. It is caused by protozoa.
symptoms
• Loss of appetite • Potbelly • Bloody diarrhoea
Control
Use coccidiostat in the Rabbits drinking water

5. MASTITIS
It is a bacterial disease though not common. It occur when there's of the teats which becomes hard and sore.
Control
• Use antibiotics like penicillin.
• Discontinue breeding from such doe

6. CHRONIC RHINITIS (SNUFFLES)
It is a bacterial (Pasteurella multocida)   infection  of the respiratory system similar to cold in humans.
Transmission
Close contact with an infected rabbit can easily transfer the  bacterium to your rabbit. Pasteurella can infect other areas of the body as well, including ears (resulting in a head tilt), abscesses (seen as lumps on the body) and uterine infections.
Prevention
Some strains of the bacteria remains latent in the rabbit’s nasal tract until the immune system is placed under stress, such as when a new diet or pet is introduced or if overcrowding occurs.  Reducing stress for rabbits that are infected and the quarantine of new rabbits are good ways of preventing introduction of the disease or recurrence of signs.
Symptoms
• Sneezing • Runny nose • Noisy breathing • Wet and matted fur on the face and inside the front legs because it uses its front legs to clean its face and nose.
Control
• Isolate sick animals
• Use prescribed antibiotics
• Dispose recovered animals

Read also;
Why most farmers fail
How to eliminate odor in pig farm
Feeding pigs with poultry manure
When to stop feeding your catfish

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