Microsporidia (Encephalitozoon cuniculi) in wild rabbits in Australia

Objective To determine the prevalence of infection with Encephalitozoon cuniculi i n wild rabbit populations in Western Australia, and to isolate the organism from seropositive rabbits.
Design Serological screening of wild and clinically affected domestic rabbit populations.
Sample population Eighty-one wild rabbits from southwestern Western Australia and 29 laboratory rabbits.
Procedure Indirect immunofluorescence antibody technique and in-vitro amplification of parasite isolates in fibroblast cultures.
Results Of the 81 wild rabbits and 29 laboratory rabbits, 20 and 22 respectively, had antibodies to E cuniculi . E cuniculi from the urine of one seropositive laboratory rabbit and from brain and kidney tissues of eight and five seropositive laboratory and wild rabbits respectively were isolated in fibroblast cultures.
Conclusion E cuniculi infection has been shown for the first time to be prevalent in wild rabbits in Australia. Techniques have been developed for the isolation and culture of the causative agent. Comparative studies can now be undertaken to determine risk factors for clinical disease in domestic rabbits and the relationship among E cuniculi isolates from wild and domestic rabbits.     

First insight into Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in laboratory and pet rabbits in Iran

Encephalitozoon cuniculi infects a wide variety of domestic and wild mammalian species including humans. Although the infection status has been studied in laboratory and pet rabbits worldwide, there is shortage of information regarding the disease in Iran. In the present study, the occurrence of infection in brains of 117 asymptomatic rabbits from six breeding and experimental units with highest population of rabbit colonies in the country (n = 60) as well as pet rabbits of pet stores in two cities (n = 57) were examined by nested-PCR. Histological sections of brains and kidneys were also studied by light microscopy. PCR results revealed that 3.3% of laboratory rabbits (2/60) and 59.6% of pet rabbits (34/57) harboured E. cuniculi in their brains. Histopathology on the other hand showed spores of the parasite in kidney and brain of one and kidney of another pet rabbit. As encephalitozoonosis may interfere with results of experiments performed on laboratory rabbits, routine screenings for identification and culling of infected animals is recommended. Furthermore, infected companion rabbits can transmit E. cuniculi to people in close contact with them, therefore, improving public knowledge of this zoonotic infection is suggested.     

A review of various parasites of rabbits

The increased interest in breeding and production of rabbits has initiated the present work, in which a review on the occurrence, significance and control of some important parasite infections of the domestic rabbit is given. In wild rabbits parasite diseases often affect single animals, whereas the intensive production of domestic rabbits typically has to deal with parasites as herd problems which in some cases may invalidate the economy of commercial rabbitries. The most important parasite diseases of the domestic rabbit comprise coccidiosis caused by Eimeria-spp. and ear mange caused by Psoroptes cuniculi.     

Dental and oral disease in Lagomorphs

The dental diseases of rabbits are unique because of their dental anatomy and physiology. Common problems of Lagomorph dentition are covered in this article including malocclusions, periodontal disease, and their treatment. The anatomy of Lagomorph dentition is reviewed and anesthesia protocols are included.     

Outbreak of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 in the southwestern United States: first detections in southern California

An outbreak of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2)-associated disease occurred in the southwestern United States following its first detection in New Mexico in March 2020. The disease spread throughout several states and was diagnosed for the first time in California on May 11, 2020, in a black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus). The following day, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) issued an order banning the entrance into California of several lagomorph species and their products from any state in which the disease had been detected in the last 12 mo. RHDV2 is a threat to wild lagomorph species in California, including the endangered riparian brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani riparius). Therefore, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) started tracking any mortality event in wild lagomorph populations. As of August 9, 2020, RHDV2 had been detected in wild and domestic lagomorphs of several counties in southern California that were submitted to the California Animal Health and Food Safety laboratory system by the CDFA or the CDFW. These positive cases included 2 additional black-tailed jackrabbits and 3 desert cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus audubonii). In addition, the infection spilled over to domestic populations, whereby it was confirmed on July 10, 2020, in a domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).     

Lapine rotavirus: preliminary studies on epizoology and transmission.

Antibody to rotavirus was found in sera of domestic rabbits, wild cottontail rabbits and Snowshoe hares. Eight out of 187 stools from a rabbitry contained rotavirus, though no clinical symptoms were apparent. The virus extracted from one such stool infected a five week old seronegative rabbit and led to distention and congestion of the colon, excretion of virus in the stool and a serological response to virus. Human and Simian rotaviruses did not replicate in the rabbits.     

Rabies virus infection in a pet guinea pig and seven pet rabbits

Raccoon-variant rabies was confirmed in 7 pet rabbits and 1 pet guinea pig in New York State, and postexposure treatment was required in several adults and children. To prevent rabies virus infection, domestic rabbits and pet rodents should be protected from contact with wild animals, including double-cage housing when housed outside. Pet rabbits or rodents with any possible contact with a wild animal, particularly if the rabbit or rodent had wounds of unknown origin, should be quarantined for 6 months for observation, to prevent escape, and to avoid contact with humans, who will require treatment if the rabbit or rodent develops rabies. Bites and scratches to humans from rodents and lagomorphs should be evaluated for potential rabies exposure on an individual basis, with consideration of whether the animal was caged outside or permitted outdoors unsupervised.     

Widespread exposure to Sarcoptes scabiei in wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Spain

Sarcoptic mange was recently described in the wild European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in north-eastern Mediterranean Spain, the first such infection reported in this species anywhere in the world. This finding has created concern in conservationists and game managers given that an outbreak of mange after a translocation would have catastrophic consequences for na?ve rabbit populations in other parts of Spain. A retrospective serosurvey using an 'in house' ELISA test based on the use of a recombinant antigen aimed at determining the rates of contact with Sarcoptes scabiei was carried out on sera from 966 rabbits collected between 1993 and 2010 in Spain. Antibodies were found in 13% of wild rabbits in 60% of the 53 areas surveyed, as well as in 16 of the 17 Spanish provinces and islands studied. Seropositive rabbits were found amongst the oldest samples analyzed and in all studied years. Antibodies were also detected in 36% of rabbits from the protected island of Dragonera, where rabbits have probably not been released since the 1970s. On Mallorca, where 89 rabbits were inspected for both lesions and antibodies, the prevalence of lesions (5.6%) was much lower than the seroprevalence (22.5%), indicating that rabbits often survive infection or that ELISA detects infected rabbits before they develop visible lesions. Seroprevalence was higher in areas with medium levels of rabbit abundance, no restocking and high rainfall. The results show that mange is widespread in rabbits and that the mite is not a recent introduction. Thus, sarcoptic mange could be considered as an enzootic disease in the wild rabbit and so prophylactic measures implemented during rabbit translocations are to be encouraged to avoid local outbreaks in na?ve populations.     

Parathyroid hormone, haematological and biochemical parameters in relation to dental disease and husbandry in rabbits

During a two-year period between 1995 and 1997, over 80 blood samples were collected from pet rabbits in order to investigate an apparent osteodystrophy affecting the skulls of rabbits with acquired dental disease. A series of haematological and biochemical analyses relating to calcium metabolism were performed and samples were taken for parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay. The rabbits were categorised according to the condition of their teeth and the manner in which the pets were kept. PTH concentrations were higher and calcium concentrations lower in hutch-kept rabbits with advanced dental disease in comparison with those kept in free-range conditions. No dental problems were detected in the free-range rabbits on radiological or clinical examination. During the course of the study, differences in haematological pictures and albumin values emerged among rabbits kept under the different husbandry regimes. Complete blood counts from free-range rabbits were comparable with laboratory reference ranges, whereas there were significantly lower red cell and lymphocyte counts in rabbits exhibiting advanced dental disease. Serum albumin values were significantly higher in rabbits kept in free-range conditions than in those with advanced dental disease or those unaffected by dental disease but kept in hutches. Rabbits kept in hutches showed trends towards anaemia and lymphopenia. Results indicated that acquired dental disease of pet rabbits is related to husbandry and is associated with alterations in calcium metabolism.     

Comparative analysis of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) and new RHDV2 virus antigenicity,using specific virus-like particles

In 2010 a new Lagovirus related to rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) emerged in France and has since rapidly spread throughout domestic and wild rabbit populations of several European countries. The new virus, termed RHDV2, exhibits distinctive genetic, antigenic and pathogenic features. Notably, RHDV2 kills rabbits previously vaccinated with RHDV vaccines. Here we report for the first time the generation and characterization of RHDV2-specific virus-like particles (VLPs). Our results further confirmed the differential antigenic properties exhibited by RHDV and RHDV2, highlighting the need of using RHDV2-specific diagnostic assays to monitor the spread of this new virus.     

意大利黑麦草应用于肉兔养殖的研究

试验的目的是探讨以意大利黑麦草和野生杂草作为青饲料代替部分精饲料饲喂肉兔对其增重、屠宰性状及兔肉品质的影响。经过40 d的分组饲喂试验发现,利用野生杂草或意大利黑麦草代替10%～50%的精饲料饲喂肉兔对其增重效果无显著影响（P〉0.05）;青饲料的引入在一定程度上增加了肉兔的屠宰率,还明显降低了兔肉中的脂肪含量,改善了兔肉的品质。     

我国野生动物保护的司法解释亟待修改

我国现行的有关野生动物保护的刑事司法解释颁布于2000年,至今未做调整。在2016年修订了野生动物保护法情况下,该司法解释在两个关键问题上亟待修改。一是应当确定野生动物的法律内涵,明确并非所有人工驯养繁殖动物均属于野生动物。其标准在于其遗传结构和生活习性是否仍保持野生种群的特征;二是需要明确即便有部分人工驯养繁殖动物属于野生动物,也应当与真正的野生动物区别对待。二者在定罪量刑的标准上应有所不同,以保证司法公平正义的实现。     

Survey of the husbandry, health and welfare of 102 pet rabbits

One hundred and two pet rabbits were examined and their husbandry, health and welfare were reviewed. The most common breed was the dwarf lop (n = 38). The most common problem was dental disease, which affected 30 rabbits although only six of their owners were aware of the problem, which was significantly associated with feeding a rabbit mix. All the rabbits were housed in ;hutches' at some stage, but 89 had access to the outside and 47 came inside the home at times. Hutches bought at pet shops were significantly smaller than home-made hutches. Forty-five of the rabbits were housed alone; the relationships between rabbits with rabbit companions were described by their owners as ;very friendly' for 84 per cent of them and ;quite friendly' for the rest.     

Behavior Problems in Pet Rabbits

The domestic rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, is descended from the European rabbit, which lives in large social groups and digs extensive warrens. Behavior problems include urine spraying, failure to use the litter box, fear of humans and human-directed aggression, intraspecies aggression, destructive digging and chewing, and infanticide. These problems are best prevented and treated by understanding their origin in both species-specific behavior and learning. Urine spraying is primarily a problem of intact males. Litter box use results from both rabbits’ species-specific tendency to use particular sites for elimination and from training. Rabbits may become fearful of humans because of painful or frightening experiences with them. Rabbits will become comfortable with humans if they have numerous positive interactions with them. Fearful or aggressive rabbits may be treated by repeatedly exposing them to pleasant associations with humans. Rabbits are territorial and may aggressively reject new rabbits that are not members of the group. Introduction of a new rabbit must be gradual, allowing rabbits to become familiar with each other and preventing them from fighting. Digging and chewing are natural, species-specific behaviors. Giving rabbits acceptable objects to chew prevents them from destroying household items. Infanticide originates, in part, from intense competition between wild females for safe nesting sites. Housing birthing does separately may prevent infanticide.     

The Progressive Syndrome of Acquired Dental Disease in Rabbits

Dental disease is one of the most common reasons for pet rabbits to need veterinary treatment. The continual eruption and growth of the teeth predispose rabbits to dental problems. Any abnormality in the shape, position, or structure of the teeth interferes with normal wear and can lead to malocclusion and crowns that are no longer functional, and may grow into surrounding soft tissue causing pain and eating or grooming difficulties. Root elongation is a feature of dental disease in rabbits and can lead to a number of clinical problems such as epiphora, dacrocystitis, or abscesses. Repeated examination of rabbits with dental problems alongside skull radiography and visual examination of prepared skulls from affected cases has shown that the majority of rabbits with dental problems are suffering from progressive changes in the shape, structure, and position of the teeth. The nature of the abnormal dental changes suggests that underlying metabolic bone disease is a possible cause. This progressive syndrome of acquired dental disease can be staged. This article describes the clinical and pathological features of each stage of progressive syndrome of acquired dental disease and provides recommendations for the treatment of cheek teeth malocclusion.     

Reactions of sera from laboratory, domestic and wild animals in Africa with Protein a and a recombinant chimeric Protein AG

An ELISA was developed to determine the reactivity of peroxidase labelled Protein A and a recombinant Protein A + Protein G construct, to sera from a variety of laboratory, domestic and wild animals from Africa. There was variability in the binding capacity of sera from individuals of the same species, but four groups could be recognized. Sera from birds and crocodiles were at most weakly reactive with either Protein A or the chimeric construct. Sera from some domestic animals such as horse, goat and cat, and sera from some wild ungulates including buffalo, wildebeest, waterbuck and impala were reactive with Protein A, but reacted to a much greater degree with the chimeric construct. Sera from larger wild animals such as elephant, rhinoceros and giraffe were strongly reactive with the chimeric protein and moderately reactive with Protein A. Sera from primates and dog, pig, guinea pig and rabbit reacted strongly with both proteins. Chimeric proteins that combine the IgG binding capacities of Protein A and Protein G can be used to detect immunoglobulin from a wide variety of African wild animal species. They may thus be of great value in seroepidemiological investigations of these animal populations.     

Oral and dental conditions in adult African wild dog skulls: a preliminary report

Skulls of 29 adult African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) originating from museum collections were examined for evidence of oral pathology. A wide variety of conditions similar to those seen in the domestic dog were detected. Although other reports suggest that captive African wild dogs suffer more extensively from dental disease than those in the wild, we conclude that these wild carnivores suffer from the same oral diseases as their domestic relatives, suggesting that a natural diet does not protect against these diseases. As the African wild dog is threatened by extinction, further investigation of the incidence and development of oral and dental disease in this species may be of value. Preventive measures could be instituted leading to improved health for those held in captivity.     

Bilateral Testicular Seminoma in a Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

A 10-year-old male mini Lop rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was presented with a 2-month history of progressive enlargement of the hemiscrotal sacs. On palpation, both testicles were enlarged, with the left being larger than the right. A bilateral orchiectomy was performed and the testicular tissue submitted for pathological examination. The histopathological diagnosis of the tissue revealed a right gonadal intratubular seminoma and diffuse seminoma of the left gonad. Although seminomas have been reported in several domestic and wild animals, including rabbits, this is, to the authors' knowledge, the first report of bilateral seminomas with dissimilar structural patterns in rabbits.     

Food and water intake and selective feeding in rabbits on four feeding regimes

Diet plays an important role in maintaining rabbit health. Feeding an incorrect diet, particularly a low fibre diet, has been linked with digestive, dental and urinary tract disease. However, food intake and dietary requirements have been poorly studied in pet rabbits. This study assessed the effects of two commonly fed pet rabbit diets [extruded nuggets with hay (EH) and muesli with hay (MH)] alongside hay only (HO) and muesli only (MO) on food and water intake in 32 Dutch rabbits. Dry matter (DM) intake was greater in the HO group and lower in the MO group than in the EH and MH groups (p < 0.001). The portion of the diet made of hay was greater in the EH group than in the MH group (p < 0.001). Water intake was positively correlated with DM intake and was greatest in the HO group (p < 0.001). Selective feeding occurred in all rabbit groups fed muesli, whether or not hay was also available. Pellets were rejected, and grains and extrudates selected. The presence of selective feeding in all rabbits fed muesli leads to the consumption of an unbalanced diet. In addition, hay intake and water intake were lower when muesli was fed. Conclusions drawn from this study are based on general recommendations for pet rabbits, and clinical disease may have developed by feeding the study diets over a longer time period, as many diet‐related conditions typically present in older rabbits. However, the study demonstrates that the feeding of muesli diets cannot be recommended.