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Ringworm
dermatophytosis
A fungal skin disease that causes round, hairless, scaly patches. It is most common in young rabbits kept in damp, dirty conditions, and the spores survive in the environment for a long time. It passes easily to people, especially children.
When to call a vet
See a vet
A vet chooses the treatment — don’t give medicines yourself. Until then, give first aid.
See a vet if patches spread or several rabbits are affected; see a doctor if people develop red, itchy rings
Symptoms
- Round bald patches, often on the head, nose, around the eyes, on the ears and paws
- Grey scales or crusts on the patches, with reddened edges
- Mild to moderate itching
- Patches that grow and merge together
What to do
- 1 Isolate the rabbit, touch it only with gloves, and wash your hands with soap afterwards
- 2 Keep children away from the sick rabbit
- 3 A vet confirms the diagnosis and prescribes antifungal treatment — do not choose products or doses yourself
- 4 Burn the bedding, clean and disinfect cages and tools, and replace wooden items that cannot be cleaned
- See a vet if patches spread or several rabbits are affected; see a doctor if people develop red, itchy rings
When it strikes
No clear season: it spreads whenever cages are damp, dirty and crowded, and recently weaned young rabbits are hit hardest.
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Prevention
- Keep the rabbitry dry and well ventilated
- Check new rabbits during quarantine
- Keep rodents and stray animals out of the rabbitry
- Clean and disinfect equipment regularly
Causes
- Dermatophyte fungi, most often Trichophyton mentagrophytes
- Contact with infected animals or carriers, including rodents, cats and dogs
- Bedding, hay, wooden cages and tools carrying spores
- Damp, poor ventilation, crowding and stress