Parasitic diseases of rabbits (distribution, diagnosis and treatment)

Abstract

This review presents data on the most common causative agents of protozooses, helminthiases, and ectoparasitic diseases of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus, Linnaeus, 1758), which are of interest to veterinarians. Modern methods of diagnosing parasitic diseases in rabbits have been determined. Chemotherapeutic drugs available on the world pharmaceutical market for therapeutic and preventive treatments in rabbits are listed. The main causative agents of protozoan, helminthic, and ectoparasitic diseases of rabbits are considered, considering the modern systematic position of parasites. The features of the distribution of parasitic diseases in Ukraine and the world, according to the data of well-known scientists in the field of veterinary parasitology, are briefly given. Information on the specifics of the use of antiparasitic drugs in the case of animals affected by protozooses, helminths, and ticks is summarized. The work briefly provides information on the most common medicines and chemical combinations that are the active ingredients of these drugs (their chemical names existing in different countries, synonyms, and main pharmacological properties). Information on the dosage and features of the use of antiparasitic agents in the case of rabbit diseases is given following the data of modern scientific literature and the relevant recommendations for their industrial use. During the inspection, it was established that rabbits are most often affected by eimeriosis (coccidiosis). Currently, 15 species of Eimeria spp. have been identified. Young animals (2–6 months) are most susceptible to eimeriosis. The peak of infestation in the territory of Ukraine falls in the spring-summer period. It was found that P. ambiguus is most often detected among helminthiases in rabbits in our country. Rabbits aged 1 to 2 years are most susceptible to these helminths, and the peak of infestation occurs in January. In rabbits, psoroptosis is one of the most common acaroses, the causative agent of which is ticks of the P. cuniculi species. The purpose of this work was to show the current state of rabbits' most common parasitic diseases on the territory of Ukraine and in the world in general, highlight the existing antiparasitic drugs, and summarize information on their use. It has been established that animals with encephalitozoonosis are the most difficult to diagnose and treat. At the same time, there is a wide range of coccidiostats and coccidiolytics for treating rabbits affected by eimeries. For the infestation of animals with helminths, it is appropriate to use benzimidazoles and ivermectins. In the case of acaroses, ivermectin and fungicidal-acaricidal ointments remain effective drugs. The analysis of literary sources will allow for the expansion of the already available data on the spread, prevention, and treatment of parasitic diseases in rabbits. The given information will help ensure the rabbits' veterinary well-being on Ukraine's territory.