How to prevent diseases in meat rabbits?
Disease prevention is far more effective and less costly than treatment in rabbitries. Rabbits can be susceptible to various health issues, including digestive problems (like G.I. stasis or enteritis), respiratory infections (like pasteurellosis or 'snuffles'), parasites (mites, coccidiosis), and heat stress. Maintaining a healthy herd relies on good biosecurity, sanitation, and management practices.
- Provide Proper Ventilation5
Solution: Ensure good airflow through the rabbitry or housing area without creating direct drafts. Explanation: Ventilation removes ammonia fumes (which irritate respiratory tracts), reduces humidity, and helps regulate temperature. Poor ventilation is a major contributor to respiratory diseases.…
📌 diy / commercial4/16/2025, 10:19:48 PM
🛠️ Fans (optional), well-designed housing structure
- Maintain Strict Hygiene and Sanitation5
Solution: Regularly and thoroughly clean cages, feeders, waterers, and surrounding areas. Explanation: Prevents the buildup of bacteria, mold, ammonia, and parasite eggs. Use rabbit-safe disinfectants periodically. Ensure droppings fall away from rabbits or are removed frequently. Notes: This is…
📌 diy4/16/2025, 10:19:48 PM
🛠️ Scrapers, brushes, disinfectants, pressure washer (optional)
- Quarantine New Arrivals5
Solution: Isolate any new rabbits brought onto the property for at least 30 days before introducing them to the main herd. Explanation: Prevents introducing diseases or parasites that the new animals may be carrying asymptomatically. Monitor quarantined animals closely for any signs of illness.…
📌 diy4/16/2025, 10:19:48 PM
🛠️ Separate quarantine cage(s)
- Avoid Overcrowding4
Solution: Provide adequate space for each rabbit according to its age and size. Explanation: Overcrowding increases stress, makes sanitation difficult, and facilitates the rapid spread of disease if an outbreak occurs. Follow recommended space guidelines. Notes: Particularly important in grow-out…
📌 diy4/16/2025, 10:19:48 PM
🛠️ Sufficient number/size of cages/pens
- Use Quality Feed and Fresh Water5
Solution: Provide fresh, high-quality pelleted feed and ensure constant access to clean, fresh water. Explanation: Good nutrition supports a strong immune system. Avoid moldy or old feed. Keep feeders clean. Water is essential for all bodily functions, including digestion and temperature…
📌 diy4/16/2025, 10:19:48 PM
🛠️ Good quality feed, clean feeders, clean water bottles/bowls
- Monitor Herd Daily5
Solution: Observe all rabbits daily for changes in behavior, appetite, droppings, or physical appearance. Explanation: Early detection of illness allows for prompt isolation and treatment (if feasible) or culling, preventing spread to other rabbits. Look for lethargy, diarrhea, sneezing, head tilt,…
📌 diy4/16/2025, 10:19:48 PM
🛠️ Observation skills
- Control Pests (Flies, Mites, Rodents)4
Solution: Implement measures to control flies, mites, mosquitoes, and rodents around the rabbitry. Explanation: Pests can transmit diseases and cause stress. Good sanitation reduces fly attraction. Mites (ear and fur) require specific treatment if found. Rodents can contaminate feed and spread…
📌 diy / commercial4/16/2025, 10:19:48 PM
🛠️ Fly traps, mite treatments (ivermectin/selamectin - consult vet), secure feed bins