Rabbits suffering from fungal dermatitis typically first show symptoms on the head, around the mouth and ears. The infection then spreads to the extremities, back, and abdomen. Affected areas often appear as ring-shaped lesions with raised borders, covered in gray or yellowish scales. As the crusts peel away, small ulcers may form, leading to damage of hair follicles and root structures. In some cases, secondary bacterial infections—such as those caused by *Staphylococcus* or *Streptococcus*—can result in abscesses or even death. The skin may also develop bald patches with a pearly gray appearance, often referred to as "glittering scales," along with signs of inflammation.
For laboratory diagnosis, strict aseptic procedures must be followed. The affected area should first be disinfected with 75% alcohol, and then a sample of skin and dander is scraped off. The material is placed on a glass slide, and a few drops of 10% potassium hydroxide solution are added. A cover slip is then placed over the sample and gently heated using an alcohol lamp. Under a microscope, no sputum is observed, but fungal spores and hyphae are clearly visible, confirming a fungal skin infection.
This condition is caused by the invasion of fungi such as *Trichoderma* and *Morinda*, which affect the skin surface, hair follicles, and hair shafts. It is characterized by irregular or round patches of hair loss, broken hairs, and inflamed skin. All rabbit breeds are susceptible, and once infected, the disease can significantly impact fur quality and growth, posing serious threats to the health of the animals and the economic returns for rabbit farming. Additionally, this disease is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted to humans, making it a public health concern.
Prevention and control measures are crucial. Maintaining clean, dry, and well-ventilated living conditions for rabbits is essential. Regular cleaning and disinfection of cages and housing facilities should be carried out. Feeding management should be improved, and rabbits should not be purchased from infected areas. Any infected rabbits must be immediately isolated or culled to prevent further spread.
Treatment involves clipping the affected hair, washing the area with soap or antiseptic solutions, softening the scaly skin, and removing the scales. A topical treatment such as a 7–10 day course of antifungal ointment, like LOC, may be applied. Systemic treatment with oral nystatin at a dose of 100,000 units per kilogram of body weight, once daily, for 10–15 days, is also effective. To prevent secondary bacterial infections, antibiotics like Baoshu Tenenoxin (containing ciprofloxacin) can be mixed into the feed. With these comprehensive measures, most rabbits recover quickly.
In summary:
1. The disease spreads through direct contact between healthy and infected rabbits, including behaviors like licking, nursing, and mating. It can also spread indirectly via contaminated objects. Poor sanitation, high humidity, and unclean environments increase the risk of transmission. Prompt isolation or removal of infected animals is key to preventing outbreaks.
2. This condition shares similar clinical signs with rabbit rickets, so differential diagnosis is necessary. Laboratory testing helps confirm the cause, allowing for targeted and effective treatment.
3. Since it is a zoonotic disease, handlers should take personal protective measures to avoid infection.
4. Adding a specific premix to the feed has proven effective in reducing the incidence of the disease and providing good prevention.
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