What are the prevention and control methods for fungal hair loss in domestic rabbits?

Fungal hair loss in domestic rabbits, also called fungal ringworm, can generally be divided into two major categories: one is dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum fungi, and the other is ringworm caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

Microsporum fungal skin disease

Microsporum fungal skin disease in domestic rabbits is highly contagious, zoonotic, and difficult to cure. It mainly affects young rabbits and lactating female rabbits, primarily on areas with thin skin and tender flesh, such as the tip of the nose, lips, eye rims, ear edges, anus, vulva and mammary glands, and in severe cases it can spread over the whole body. In addition to hair loss, there are obvious reddish-brown scabs.

Microsporum fungal skin disease in domestic rabbits is difficult to eradicate. If the disease occurs, there is no need for treatment; the rabbits should be incinerated or buried deep as soon as possible, and strict disinfection of the rabbitry should be carried out to prevent future problems.

Ringworm caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes

In the early stage, affected rabbits show erythema on the skin of the nose, eye sockets, base of the ears, back and tail, followed by clearly demarcated white thick scabs on the local area. Later, local hair loss occurs, and the skin becomes dry and lusterless. Scabs and scales appear on the head, neck, back and base of the tail, areas prone to friction, and the coat becomes loose and is easily pulled out or falls off.

This disease is generally relatively mild, with a slower rate of development and a lesser degree of damage. It can be treated by topical application of common human anti-athlete's foot medications, and at the same time griseofulvin can be added to the feed at 40-80 mg/kg, used continuously for half a month, then stopped for half a month, and used for 1-2 more treatment courses.