Coccidiosis - Rabbit

• 3 pathogenic Eimeria species
  • 2 in the caecum
  • 1 in the bile duct

• Eimeria steidae
  • Parasitises the bile duct epithelium
  • Travels via the bile duct to the liver where it forms large white nodules
  • Oocysts travel in the bile and are passed out in the faeces
  • Causes ascites, diarrhoea, weight loss and polyuria

• Serious disease of both pet and farmed rabbits

• Treatment is by administration of drugs in drinking water
  • E.g. Toltrazuril

• Hygiene is the best method of prevention to prevent sporocysts from sporulating

• Medicated feed can be used in commercial units
  • E.g. Rabenidine