If you are a lagomorph lover and suspect that your rabbit has mites, or are wanting to avoid an outbreak of rabbit mites, take a look at this post for helpful information on the causes, types of mites, prevention and treatment of different mites on rabbits.
Mites On Rabbit: Causes, Prevention and Treatment
Do Rabbits Get Mites?
Yes, rabbits get mites. Like many other furry mammals, rabbit skin and fur are a happy and inviting living environment for a variety of mites.
What Type of Mites Do Rabbits Get?
There are a few common mite species that rabbits are susceptible to, which include:
- Cheyletiella Mites – As Rutgers University explains, there are three types of Cheyletiella mites: C. yasguri, C. blakei, and C. parasitivorax. While the first two usually infest dogs and cats the third is most often found in rabbits; it is known as the common rabbit mite.
C. parasitivorax mites are large and white, although not burrowing, and they call what is known as cheyletiellosis, or, an infestation of common rabbit mites. A rabbit with fur mites will exhibit chronic dandruff, redness, and hair loss.
These ‘walking dandruff’ mites spread through direct contact with an infected animal or a blanket, bedding, or environment that has recently been infected.
- Psoroptes cuniculi Mites – This species of mite infects rabbit’s ears and causes ear canker. P. cuniculi start by burrowing deep in rabbits’ ears, favoring moist dermatitis, and aren’t visible on the outer part of the ear until well into infestation.
They can infect only one side or one ear, but can spread to the neck and other parts of the body if not treated. Furthermore, this mite poses a serious threat to rabbits’ health as they can cause serious bacterial infections and damage to the inner and outer ear.
Finally, ear canker mites infect a wide range of farm and livestock animals, so all homesteaders or farmers with rabbits should take note, as they are very contagious and can spread through indirect and direct contact with infected animals.
- Ornithonyssus bacoti– Also called Tropical Rat Mites, these pests are small burrowing mites that are common in wild rodents and can infect rabbits as well as humans. However, this kind of mite is not very common on well-tended pet or homestead rabbits outside of tropical regions.
- Sarcoptes scabiei – S. scabiei are mange mites that infect your rabbit around their mouth, head and neck. Mange mites are very common in large groups of domestic rabbits and are very contagious.
Interestingly, only the female mite burrows in the skin in the process of laying her eggs, all others live on the skin.
Regardless, all of these mites cause serious skin irritation, redness and hair loss in your rabbit. If infected with mange mites, your rabbit may develop other bacterial and viral infections that can threaten its life.
Rabbit With Mites: Symptoms
We encourage all rabbit owners to spend time with their rabbits and observe them. This not only helps you become familiar with your bunny’s temperament and habits, but it will also help you quickly realize when she is acting abnormal due to a sickness or infection.
A quick diagnosis of symptoms is key to a quick recovery and the long term happiness of you and your rabbit!
Symptoms of Cheyletiellosis Rabbit Mites: Walking Dandruff
Telltale signs that your bunny has ‘walking dandruff’ mites include:
- Profuse scratching in areas such as neck, hind end, and back
- Lots of dandruff and glimpses of ‘walking dandruff’
- Scabs in areas such as neck, hind end, and back
- Hair loss and red skin
Rabbit Ear Mites Symptoms
Telltale signs that your rabbit has ear mites include:
- Extensive ear scratching
- Abnormal shaking of the head
- Red and inflamed outer ear skin
- Oozing and extensive scabbing on the ears
- Walking crooked
Tropical Rat Mite Symptoms
Your rabbit may have the rare tropical rat mite if you live in a tropical region, or a place with a naturally high population of rodents, and your bunny is experiencing severe itchiness.
Mange Mites in Rabbit Symptoms
You’ll know your bunny has mange mites when they exhibit the following symptoms:
- Severe itching and licking
- Lesions on the ears, face, and legs
- Heavy scabbing in infected areas
- Hair loss
- Severe itchiness
Note that if your rabbit is losing hair, she is most likely suffering from one of these pesky mites. Furthermore, the longer your rabbit harbors mites the worse the symptoms get. It is best to take her to the vet if she seems to be scratching abnormally, rather than waiting until her body is covered in scabs, lesions, and her hair is falling out. Serious rabbit mite infestations result in life-long damage or death.
Mites On Rabbit: Prevention
All of the mites mentioned above are very contagious and can be spread by any egg, larva or adult that is transferred from an infected animal. As such, the first step of preventing mites on your rabbits is to keep them physically separated from other pets or farm animals such as dogs, barn cats, cows, and goats.
We suggest keeping rabbits’ houses or hutches as well as outdoor play areas separate from those of other animals. Not only is this a sure method to avoid cross contamination in the case of mites, but it will also help your rabbits feel safe and secure as they like private spaces.
In addition, we suggest regular washing of any bedding, blankets, rabbit harnesses, or other fabrics used in the daily life of your rabbit. This will increase the cleanliness of their home and eliminate potential environments for mites to live in and spread.
Treatment of Rabbit Mites
If your rabbit is exhibiting one or many of the above symptoms of mite infestations, it is important that you take her to the vet immediately. We never recommend diagnosis or treating mites yourself or at home. In addition, NEVER give Frontline to your bunny, as it is toxic to rabbits!
Rather, your vet will perform a skin scrape and identify just what species of mite is present on your rabbit. Knowing if it is cheyletiellosis vs mange will help them prescribe the correct treatment for your rabbit as well as her environment, as thorough treatment of your rabbit and the cleaning of her living environment is the only way to completely prevent further mite infestations.
Note that you may have to complete one or more rounds of environmental cleaning or application of miticide, it is critical that you follow the instructions of your vet to avoid a mite infection relapse!
Ivermectin For Rabbit Fur Mites
Your vet is likely to prescribe de-wormers and anti-mite medications such as ivermectin or selamectin, which have been proven to treat rabbit mites effectively. They will rid your rabbit of the infestation, but if your bunny has already suffered from serious lesions, scabbing, or fur loss, they may also receive an antibiotic or antibacterial that will help their system recover.
We encourage you to be patient with your rabbit as they recover from a mite infection. It may take a bit for their fur to grow back and for any scabs or red skin to fade. Always observe your rabbit and talk with the vet if you continue to see abnormal behavior! Finally, be sure to offer your rabbit a healthy diet of unlimited hay and high quality pellets as they recover from mites.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mites On Rabbits
Can Rabbits Recover From Mites?
Yes, rabbits can recover from a mite infection. However, you must adequately diagnose and treat your rabbit and their living environment for a healthy recovery. If left untreated, certain mite infections can be fatal!
Can Rabbit Mites Live In Carpets?
Yes, some species of mites that infect rabbits can live in carpets. This is why application of miticite and proper cleaning is so important. Be sure to check with your vet about proper cleaning procedures.
Rabbit Mites On Humans?
Most of the mites that infect rabbits do not infect humans. However, the Tropical Rat Mite can spread from rabbits to humans, so be aware!
Video Concerning Rabbit With Mites: How to Identify and Treat
Final Thoughts on Rabbit With Mites
A mite infestation on your rabbit is a serious occurrence, as it can become an outbreak among your other rabbits, pets, or farm animals. We suggest that daily observance of your rabbit will aid in a quick diagnosis, proper treatment, and full recovery of mites.
Remember, many of the common rabbit mites discussed in this post can cause serious lesions, bacterial infections and permanent skin or organ damage if not treated quickly and effectively. As such, mites should always be treated with prescribed medication from a practicing vet!
Finally, make a habit of general cleanliness and keep your rabbit separate from other pets or farm animals. These measures will boost the health and happiness of your bunny while preventing common infestations and spreading of mites.