It's important to know how to recognize and control ear mites, mange mites and fleas. These parasites can cause serious problems in a herd of rabbits.
Ear Canker or Ear Mange
Ear canker is caused by common ear mites (psoroptes cuniculi). The mites live in the ear canal and damage the skin. A brown, waxy material covers the inner ear. This encrustation is dried blood, cellular debris, keratin and mites in various stages of development.
An effective treatment is to remove the encrustation with a cotton swab soaked in mineral or vegetable oil. Allow some of the oil to run into the ear passage. Repeat this procedure in four days. A 0.25 percent suspension of Lindane in mineral oil is an affective medication. Ivermectin has proven to be very effective at controlling ear canker. Inject 0.20 cc if Ivermectin just beneath the skin at the nape of the neck. Remember all your rabbits need to be treated if you find an infected animal. Sanitation is important for control.
Mange
Mites cause the skin to become dry, scaly, irritated and itchy with hair loss in the affected areas. Treat with a powder containing 0.25 percent Lindane. The best control method is good sanitation.
Fleas
Rabbit, dog and cat fleas occasionally have been reported on rabbits. There are four stages in the life cycle of a flea - egg, larva, pupa and adult. The eggs are deposited in nesting material and cracks of the nest boxes. The eggs hatch into larvae that form the pupae from which the adult emerges. Treat the rabbits by dusting with a commercial preparation of Pyrethrum or Rotenone. Properly destroy nesting materials and wash the nest boxes using bleach (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon water). Keep cats and dogs away from all rabbit supplies, especially nesting materials.
Source: 4-H Cooperative Curriculum System BU-6069 What's Hoppening?
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