Prevalence of endoparasites in rabbits from Dutch rabbit fanciers

Abstract

The prevalence of the coccidium Eimeria has been extensively studied in commercially farmed rabbits and to some degree in private-owned rabbits. Eimeria spp. can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, especially in young rabbits. Fewer studies have determined the prevalence of Passalurus ambiguus in rabbits. This nematode is generally thought to be non-pathogenic. Currently, there is a lack of knowledge about endoparasite infestations in rabbits in the Dutch pet industry. Therefore, this study investigated the prevalence of endoparasites, specifically Eimeria spp. and P. ambiguus, in rabbits from Dutch rabbit fanciers. Faecal samples from 191 Dutch show rabbits were tested by CSF and McMaster analysis, and a questionnaire was sent to the rabbit fanciers to assess risk factors. Eimeria spp. prevalence was found to be 84.3% and P. ambiguus prevalence was 26.7%. This is markedly higher than expected. Prevalence of Cestoda and Trichuris spp., in contrast, was low (0.5%). The implementation of quarantine measures by the rabbit fanciers when new rabbits are acquired was significantly associated with the presence of Eimeria spp. and P. ambiguus in the faeces, reducing the likelihood of either parasite being present. This indicates the importance of these measures in practice. The OPG (oocysts per gram of faeces) of Eimeria spp. was significantly higher if the rabbit fancier uses a cleaning agent when cleaning the rabbits’ cages. This finding requires additional research to confirm and explain the phenomenon.