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{{Taxobox
{{Taxobox
|name =''Leporacarus''
|name =''Leporacarus''
|genus =Leporacarus
|genus =Leporacarus
}}
}}
Also known as: '''''Rabbit fur mite'''
Also known as: '''''Leporacarus gibbus — Rabbit fur mite '''
==Introduction==
''Leporacarus'' mites are [[Non-Burrowing Mites|surface mites]] found on rabbits (domestic and wild) and hares. They are non-pathogenic, common mites.
''Leporacarus'' mites are [[Non-Burrowing Mites|surface mites]] found on rabbits (domestic and wild) and hares. They are non-pathogenic, common mites.
The mite clings to individual hairs and feeds on sebaceous secretions and skin debris.
''Leporacarus'' mites may cause '''dermatitis in humans''' handling infected animals.
==Identification==
Adult males average 440μ long and 240μ wide and females 560μ by 310μ. The bodies of both males and females are oval, with a rounded dorsal protrusion that extends slightly beyond the mouthparts. The legs of the male are much longer in relation to the body than those of the female, and extend well beyond the body margins. Males also have prominent '''adanal clasping organs'''.
==Life Cycle==
The mite clings to individual hairs and '''feeds on sebaceous secretions and skin debris'''. All stages are present, and the life cycle is '''completed on the host'''. The eggs attach to the hair shafts, as do the hatched eggs, and empty larval and nymphal cuticles are left on the hair as the mites develop into adults.
==Clinical Signs==
They are found most commonly on the '''back and abdomen''' of rabbits.
Clinical signs in affected rabbits are '''alopecia, pruritus and a moist dermatitis'''.
The classic seborrhoea associated with [[Cheyletiellosis]] is not a feature.
Many infestations are '''asymptomatic'''.
==Diagnosis==
Specimens can be obtained for diagnosis by '''plucking, brushing or combing'''.
'''Microscopy''' can then be used to observe the mites.
==Treatment==
'''Ivermectin''' injections given weekly for 3 weeks are effective. A carbamate acaricide can also be used topically for a month.
The hutch should be cleaned out thoroughly and sprayed with a methoprene/permethrin spray.
==References==
Flynn, R. (2007) '''Flynn's parasites of laboratory animals''' ''John Wiley and Sons''
Richardson, V. (2000) '''Rabbits: health, husbandry and disease''' ''John Wiley and Sons''
''Leporacarus'' mites may cause dermatitis in humans handling infected animals.
Muller, G. (2001) '''Small animal dermatology''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''
==Literature Search==
==Literature Search==
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[http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?rowId=1&options1=AND&q1=Leporacarus&occuring1=title&rowId=2&options2=AND&q2=&occuring2=freetext&rowId=3&options3=AND&q3=&occuring3=freetext&x=49&y=16&publishedstart=yyyy&publishedend=yyyy&calendarInput=yyyy-mm-dd&la=any&it=any&show=all ''Leporacarus'' publications]
[http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?rowId=1&options1=AND&q1=Leporacarus&occuring1=title&rowId=2&options2=AND&q2=&occuring2=freetext&rowId=3&options3=AND&q3=&occuring3=freetext&x=49&y=16&publishedstart=yyyy&publishedend=yyyy&calendarInput=yyyy-mm-dd&la=any&it=any&show=all ''Leporacarus'' publications]
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[[Category:To Do - Helen]]
[[Category:To Do - Review]]
[[Category:Non-Burrowing_Mites]]
[[Category:Non-Burrowing_Mites]]