In the previous article we talked about how to prepare hutches and different diets for rabbits, in this article we will talk about different types and diseases of rabbits, continue…
RABBIT BREEDS: There are more than 45 species of rabbits worldwide. The most popular species known in East Africa are the following:
1. NEW ZEALAND WHITE :
These rabbits are white and the eye color is dark brown (pink) close to red. Puberty early (six months), gives birth seven or more children and can breastfeed them well. Their meat is soft and their skin is good for making decorative items. Adults can reach 2-4 kg.
2. CALIFORNIA WHITE:
They are white with black on the tips of the ears, lips, nose and tail. They give a lot of meat (3.5-4.5 kg). They also reach puberty quickly (6 months), give birth to many children (7-11) and are good sucklers, their skins are also very valuable.
3. CHINCHILLA:
They have a mixture of black and white fur with a khaki (grey) appearance. The value of their skin (pelt) is great. They give birth to few children and they are late in maturing (9 months). They reach a weight of 5-7 kilos. These rabbits are available in mixed colors such as earth tones and fades to black CHINCHILLA AND GEMAN GIANT
4. GERMAN GIANT:
These rabbits are black-breasted and have the characteristics of the New Zealand White. Other breeds (tribes) found in East African countries are Flemish Giant, Angora (produces wool), Earlop, Dutch, Agout, Chaqured Giant and Frank Vender.
Rabbits do not get many diseases. However, if they are placed in a dirty environment, they can be attacked by the following popular diseases:
1. COCCIDIOSIS:
They attack small rabbits a lot. Rabbits have diarrhea (white and sometimes bloody stools), lack of appetite and appear lethargic due to dehydration. This disease can be prevented with coccidiostats if you get it early. If you delay, you can kill the rabbit within 48 hours. This disease is difficult to treat, so it is important to prevent it by keeping the environment where the rabbits live in a clean condition by cleaning the cages every day and preventing feces from mixing with food or water, good nutrition, using antibiotics in food and water, isolate the animals affected by this disease and wash the shed and utensils and disinfectants like V-rid. Some of the drugs used to treat this disease are such as Amprolium, and of the sulfur group such as sulfadiazine, and trimethoprim (trimazine, typhoprim).
2.PNEUMONIA:
It is a disease that affects the lungs and airways and the rabbit appears to have difficulty breathing. Eyes and lips appear blue due to lack of oxygen. The disease is caused by bacteria such as Pasteurella multocida or staphylococcus spp which are spread by wind, dishes or dirty hands. This disease is treated with antibacterial drugs Fluban (enrofloxacin), CTC 20% or Tylosin and others.
3. MUCOID ENTEROPATHY/ ENTEROTOXAEMIA:
This disease is caused by Escherichia coli bacteria or the lack of fiber in the rabbit’s diet and causes damage to the digestive tract (gut). The biggest symptom is when the rabbit releases jelly-like feces and wets the entire back. The most affected are rabbits aged between 3 and 6 weeks and they die very quickly when they get this disease. You will be able to save your rabbits by supplementing them with leafy food such as Lucerne, breadfruit and others. You are also advised to remove affected rabbits from your breeding units if this situation occurs. This disease can be treated by using drugs, for example, Cholestyramine, injecting the affected animal with antibacterial drugs with a broad spectrum of action, for example, Doxycol / Cotrimoxazole / OTC 20%, as well as vitamin B injections.
This disease is caused by fleas and other germs. It does not cause death, but it causes discomfort due to irritation that causes rashes and eventually the rabbit bleeds on the inside of the ears. It is treated by inhaling Hydrogen peroxide or any other medicine for ulcers. Also, you can get rid of these germs by applying olive oil to the affected areas of the ears, this oil will soften the scales of the skin and later it can be cleaned well with drugs such as V-rid, and the animal should be injected with Ivomectin twice a month to get rid of the problem this.
