Highly contagious and potentially fatal:
* Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV): A highly contagious virus that can be fatal to domestic rabbits, especially if they are unvaccinated.
* Myxomatosis: Another highly contagious virus that causes tumors and swelling in the skin, nose, and ears.
* Pasteurellosis (Snuffles): A bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system and can be fatal, especially in young rabbits.
* Ringworm: A fungal infection that causes skin lesions, hair loss, and can be difficult to treat.
Other diseases:
* Ear mites: These parasites cause itching, scratching, and head tilting in rabbits.
* Fleas and lice: These parasites can cause skin irritation and anemia.
* Coccidiosis: A parasitic infection that affects the digestive system and can be fatal in young rabbits.
* Giardia: A parasitic infection that causes diarrhea and weight loss.
Transmission:
* Direct contact: Wild rabbits can transmit diseases to domestic rabbits through direct contact, such as fighting or sniffing each other.
* Indirect contact: Diseases can also be spread through contaminated food, water, or bedding.
* Airborne: Some diseases, such as RHDV, can be transmitted through the air.
Prevention:
* Vaccination: Vaccinating your rabbit against RHDV and myxomatosis is essential for protecting them from these deadly diseases.
* Keep them separated: Don't allow your rabbit to come into contact with wild rabbits.
* Cleanliness: Keep your rabbit's living space clean and disinfect frequently.
* Quarantine: If you bring a new rabbit into your home, quarantine them for at least two weeks to prevent the spread of disease.
It's important to note that even if your rabbit has been vaccinated, they can still be susceptible to other diseases. Therefore, it's crucial to keep them away from wild rabbits and practice good hygiene to minimize the risk of infection.