The infectious disease is especially well known among pregnant women and is caused by the parasitic pathogen Toxoplasma gondii. The term „toxoplasmas“ is often used in this context.
In rabbit husbandry, the pathogen plays a rather minor role. Rabbits can serve as intermediate hosts but do not shed the pathogen themselves. Some rabbits may be infected, but very few ever experience an acute outbreak with symptoms.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
In most cases, the infection is asymptomatic, with acute outbreaks occurring only in rare instances. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Increased respiratory rate, shallow breathing
- Nasal discharge, usually purulent
- Apathy, weakness, fever
- Loss of appetite, refusal to eat
- Paralysis of the limbs (both front and hind legs may be affected)
- Movement disorders
- Head tilt
- Tremors
In acute cases, death often follows quickly, whereas chronic cases do not necessarily lead to a fatal outcome.
The Toxoplasma gondii pathogen can be detected through a blood test, although the results are not 100% reliable. However, they provide an important indication. Additionally, symptoms, contact with cats (or cat feces), and ruling out other possible diseases are crucial in establishing a suspected diagnosis.
EC-positive rabbits are often also tested positive for toxoplasmosis (Neumayerová et al., 2014).
Risk of Infection
Rabbits can become infected either in the womb (if the mother carries Toxoplasma gondii) or through contaminated food, such as fresh greens or hay that has come into contact with cat feces. Outdoor enclosures may increase the risk of exposure. However, transmission from rabbit to rabbit is not possible, as the pathogen is not shed in feces.
Rabbits and Pregnancy
Unlike cats, rabbits do not shed the pathogen, meaning there is no risk of infection for pregnant women when cleaning the enclosure. Additionally, toxoplasmosis is very rare in rabbits. A greater risk exists when consuming (raw) rabbit meat.
Treatment
Treating toxoplasmosis in rabbits is challenging and mainly focuses on managing symptoms based on the observed clinical signs.
Treatment is only effective during the tachyzoite stage of the infection. The following medications may be used:
- Sulfadoxine-trimethoprim antibiotic: 30–40 mg/kg, orally twice daily (alternatively, doxycycline alone or in combination with azithromycin)
- Clindamycin (e.g., Clindamycin-ratiopharm® Inj.): 7.5 mg/kg, subcutaneously twice daily
- Pyrimethamine: 0.25–0.50 mg/kg, orally twice daily for two weeks
- Folic acid: 3–5 mg, once or twice daily for one week
Regular blood tests are essential if treatment extends beyond two weeks.
Sources include:
van Praag, E. Toxoplasmosis, an unrecognized parasitosis in rabbits.
Neumayerová, H., Juránková, J., Jeklová, E., Kudláčková, H., Faldyna, M., Kovařčík, K., … & Koudela, B. (2014). Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits from different farming systems. Veterinary Parasitology, 204(3-4), 184-190.
