Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026
A Versatile Model of Hard Tick Infestation on Laboratory Rabbits
Published on: October 6, 2018
Sarcoptic mange infestation in rabbits in an organized farm at Tamil Nadu
M Arul Prakash1, C Soundararajan2, K Nagarajan3
1University Research Farm, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Madhavaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 051 India.
Abstract:
Sarcoptes scabiei are burrowing mites which causes major constraints in rabbit production. Eighty-eight rabbits were examined for mange infestation at University Research Farm, Tamil Nadu. Overall incidence of mange infestation in rabbit was 23.6 %. On microscopical examination, the mite was identified as Sacoptes scabiei var cuniculi. Among the breeds, Soviet Chinchilla were found to be infested more (57.14 %) followed by New Zealand White (28.57 %) and White Giant (28.57 %). Among the age groups, adults (33.33 %) were heavily infested than the grower (21.88 %) whereas, suckling had no infestation of mange. Among the sex, males (21.95 %) were heavily infested than the females (14.89 %). Lesions were mostly found on the edges of ear, nose, face and legs and characterized by loss of hair, thickening of the skin, irregular dried dirty encrusted scabs with erythema and disfigurement of face and ear.
Insights
Rabbit mange, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var cuniculi, affects 23.6% of rabbits. Adult Soviet Chinchilla males are most susceptible, showing lesions on ears and face.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Rabbit Production Medicine
- Mite-borne Diseases
Background:
- Sarcoptes scabiei mites cause mange, a significant economic constraint in rabbit farming.
- Mange infestation leads to skin lesions, hair loss, and potential disfigurement in rabbits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and identify the causative agent of mange in rabbits.
- To analyze the prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei var cuniculi infestation across different breeds, age groups, and sexes.
- To characterize the clinical manifestations of mange in affected rabbits.
Main Methods:
- Microscopical examination of skin scrapings from infested rabbits.
- Incidence rate calculation for mange infestation.
- Comparative analysis of infestation rates based on rabbit breed, age, and sex.
Main Results:
- Overall mange incidence was 23.6% in the examined rabbit population.
- Sarcoptes scabiei var cuniculi was identified as the causative mite.
- Soviet Chinchilla breed showed the highest infestation rate (57.14%).
- Adult rabbits (33.33%) and males (21.95%) exhibited higher infestation rates than growers and females, respectively.
- Suckling rabbits showed no signs of mange.
- Lesions commonly occurred on ears, nose, face, and legs, presenting as thickened, encrusted skin with hair loss.
Conclusions:
- Sarcoptes scabiei var cuniculi poses a considerable threat to rabbit health and production.
- Breed (Soviet Chinchilla), age (adults), and sex (males) are significant factors influencing mange susceptibility.
- Prompt identification and management strategies are crucial to mitigate economic losses in rabbit farming.
