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Rabies in two privately owned domestic rabbits
B E Karp1, N E Ball, C R Scott
1Center for Veterinary Public Health, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|December 29, 1999
Summary
Two domestic rabbits in Maryland contracted rabies from the raccoon variant. This highlights the risk of wildlife exposure and the need for preventative measures as no rabbit rabies vaccine exists.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Rabies is a fatal viral disease affecting mammals.
- Raccoons are a common reservoir for the rabies virus in the United States.
- Domestic animals can be at risk of rabies exposure from wildlife.
Observation:
- Two domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Maryland presented with acute anorexia and paralysis.
- Clinical signs included forelimb paresis, head tremors, and head tilt.
- One rabbit had a known history of raccoon attack; the other's exposure source was unknown.
Findings:
- Both rabbits were confirmed infected with the raccoon variant of the rabies virus.
- The incubation period appeared to be at least 25 days.
- The disease progressed rapidly, leading to euthanasia or death within days of symptom onset.
Implications:
- There is no approved rabies vaccine for rabbits, emphasizing prevention through avoiding wildlife contact.
- Veterinarians should be aware of rabies signs in rabbits in endemic areas.
- Rabbit owners must be cautioned about protecting their pets from potential wildlife encounters.