Mange in Rabbits: Spread and Eradication
Mange is one of the most common skin diseases in Egyptian rabbitries, caused by microscopic mites that live in or on the skin. It starts with mild itching that owners often blame on dirt or allergy, then thick crusts form, hair falls out and the rabbit loses weight. The mite spreads by direct contact and through equipment and bedding, so treating a single rabbit is never enough.
Types of mange and why it spreads
The most common form is ear mange caused by Psoroptes cuniculi, which appears as yellow-brown crusts inside the ear flap. The second form affects the body and is caused by Sarcoptes or Notoedres, producing intense itching and crusts on the nose, lips and feet. Both weaken the rabbit and open the door to secondary bacterial infection.
The mite spreads by direct contact between rabbits and through cages, feeders, hands and bedding. Young, weak or poorly fed rabbits are most susceptible. High stocking density and poor ventilation in cramped sheds speed up transmission within days.
Signs and veterinary examination
In ear mange the rabbit shakes its head and scratches the ear with its hind feet until the skin bleeds, and dense crusts may block the ear canal. Body mange causes patchy hair loss with redness, scaling and constant itching. The affected rabbit loses appetite and weight and may develop anaemia or bacterial skin infection.
A veterinary examination includes a skin scrape and an ear swab for microscopy, because fungal disease, allergy and fleas cause similar signs. Do not diagnose from the look of the crusts alone, and avoid ear drops with unsuitable drugs if the eardrum may be ruptured.
- Frequent head shaking and vigorous ear scratching.
- Yellow or brown crusts inside the ear flap.
- Patchy hair loss on the face and feet.
- Constant itching and secondary skin wounds.
- Weight loss and weakness with poor appetite.
Treatment under veterinary supervision
Treatment relies on systemic or topical antiparasitics chosen by the vet, and a second dose is usually needed after 10 to 14 days to kill newly hatched mites. Sulfur ointments or specific mange preparations are used for skin lesions, with gentle ear cleaning and no deep cotton swabs. Never give ivermectin at a guessed dose.
Every rabbit in the shed must be treated, including apparently healthy ones, because carrier rabbits without signs reinfect the group. Antibiotics are used only for secondary bacterial infection and only on prescription. Watch each rabbit after treatment for injection-site swelling or lethargy.
Disinfection and preventing reinfection
After treatment, remove the rabbits, wash cages with hot water and soap, then apply a product effective against mites. Replace all bedding, wash feeders and drinkers, and let the cages dry in the sun. Insect control matters because insects can carry mites between sheds.
Quarantine every new rabbit for two weeks and inspect ears and skin before entry. Use easy-to-clean feeding equipment such as a rabbit feeder, and find suitable ointments in our rabbits and parasite control, with vitamin support from vitamins and mineral salts.
- Treat every rabbit in the shed, not only visible cases.
- Repeat the dose after 10 to 14 days as directed by the vet.
- Replace bedding and wash feeders and drinkers.
- Dry cages in the sun and control insects.
- Quarantine new rabbits and inspect ears and skin.
Conclusion
Eliminating mange requires group treatment and full disinfection, not a single-rabbit approach. Check ears and skin weekly, quarantine new arrivals and let a vet set the drug and dose. A consistent control programme prevents repeated losses and protects market weight.
This article is general guidance and is not a substitute for examining your animal by a licensed veterinarian. In emergencies, contact your vet immediately.
