Coccidiosis

 

Coccidiosis is caused by a single-celled parasite, or protozoa, called Eimeria. There are 25 different types of Eimeria, however, the treatment is the same no matter which type a rabbit is infected with.

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Whilst some rabbits can carry this parasite and show no signs of infection at all, others can develop the deadly disease causing them to go downhill very quickly and die. If you believe that your rabbit may have coccidiosis, get them booked in with a vet as soon as possible. If there is a risk your rabbit may have coccidiosis, your vet may recommend faecal tests to try and identify the parasites.

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The earlier it’s treated the better the chance of your rabbit(s) surviving.

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Rabbits that are healthy can act as ‘carriers’ of the parasite. Coccidiosis is spread through contamination with faeces (poop) – the coccidiosis parasites multiply in the intestines producing infective cysts, also known as oocysts (eggs), which are passed out in the faeces. These can also contaminate the environment, food and water. Eaten oocysts may then remain in the intestine, but in some rabbits can also spread into the liver. Young rabbits, between six weeks and five months of age, are particularly at risk of developing this infection. In some cases, where the disease has had time to develop, it can be very difficult to clear the parasites from the rabbit.

To prevent the spread of coccidiosis, it is important to maintain high standards of cleanliness in your rabbit’s area. This includes providing dry pellets instead of moist pellets, washing fresh forage and vegetables, and ensuring access to plenty of fresh water. By sticking to these practices, the risk of coccidiosis can be vastly reduced.

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The parasite has a 4 to 14 day life cycle, which begins when food, water or faeces contaminated by oocysts is swallowed. After infecting the cells lining the intestines, the parasites will begin to multiply and can then form more oocysts which are passed out in the faeces of the infected rabbit.

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The development of this disease if left unchecked can lead to a variety of health complications, including the poor absorption of nutrients from the food, electrolyte imbalance, anaemia, hypoproteinaemia (low levels of protein in the blood), and dehydration.

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Please note they are rarely transferred from rabbits to humans.

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The signs / symptoms of coccidiosis may include:

• Diarrhoea

• Reduced appetite

• Weight loss; if the loss of weight reaches 20% death can follow within 24 hours

• Depression/lethargy

• Pale gums

• Painful tummy

• Blood and / or pale or watery mucous in their faeces

• Young rabbits’ growth may be stunted due to side effects on the kidneys and liver

 

Blood tests done by your vet may show a decrease in haemoglobin and red blood cells, and an increase in white blood cells.

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Liver coccidiosis shows an abnormal level in the chemicals which relate to the way the liver works. These can return to normal after appropriate treatment. The liver form of coccidiosis affects rabbits of all ages. The disease symptoms are usually lethargy (exhaustion/fatigue), thirst and weakening of the back and hindquarters, with a swollen tummy. Abdominal X-rays may show that the liver and gallbladder are enlarged too.

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Secondary infection can lead to parasites being found in the nervous system. The disease is often accompanied by a secondary bacterial infection, in particular Escherichia coli, known as E-coli.

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These symptoms and signs may vary depending on the rabbit and the severity of their infection.

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Prevention

1. Rabbits can be at risk of coccidiosis even in a clean environment, but keeping everywhere clean and dry is the best way to protect your rabbits against the disease.

2. If you see any changes in your rabbit's faeces, appetite or behaviour, always get them checked over by a vet who will be able to help diagnose and support them. This is why it is so important to really know your rabbit.

3. Make sure any bedding used for them is from a reputable supplier, as coccidiosis can be transmitted in contaminated bedding and hay.

4. If you want to introduce a new rabbit to your group, consider a quarantine period before the new friends are allowed to mingle. If you adopt from a reputable rescue who has observed the rabbit for a week or more you probably won’t need to do this.

5. Feed hay from racks rather than from the floor to reduce the risk of eating contaminated hay.

6. Branches and leaves rich in tannin, such as willow, apple and pear are effective in preventing coccidiosis. Any twig or leaves given must be free from chemical or pollution exposure, such as fertiliser or road traffic fumes.

 

Treatment

Treatment is usually well accepted, especially in adult rabbits, although acutely infected or very young bunnies can struggle to recover from a severe infection. Sulphonamide and trimethoprim antibiotics have proven effective in the treatment of coccidiosis but must only be used to cure the disease, never as a preventive measure.

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Treatment of the rabbit’s area with an effective disinfectant is important (e.g. 10% ammonia). Water dispensers, food bowls, litter trays and toys should be disinfected and remain free of rabbit faeces. When treating a carpet or rug vacuum first in order to allow the product to go deep in to the pile. During treatment of the environment, rabbits should be kept in another part of the home to avoid the danger of contact with the cleaning products. Soft toys etc might be better thrown away as it is difficult to kill off the parasites in them.