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Agrovetbuzz Articles
A Brief Introduction to Economically Important Diseases of Rabbits

Sandeep Kaswan1, Sreekala S. M.2, Rajesh Kumar3 and Jay Prakash Gupta4


1PhD Scholar, Livestock Production Management;

2M.V.Sc Scholar, Veterinary Virology;

3PhD Scholar, Veterinary Extension;

4PhD Scholar, Animal Genetics & Breeding,

Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, U.P. India 243122


INTRODUCTION


In recent years there has been increased awareness of the advantages of rabbit meat production in developing countries like India as a means to alleviate world food shortages. This is largely attributable to the rabbit's high rate of reproduction; early maturity; rapid growth rate; high genetic selection potential; efficient feed and land space utilization; limited competition with humans for similar foods and high-quality nutritious meat (Cheeke, 1980). For maximum profit rabbitry should be devoid of diseases. In order to identify diseased rabbits in farm, farmers should be acquainted with basic features of healthy and normal rabbits. Normal rabbits should be alert and active, with bright eyes that are free from discharge. The hair coat should be shiny and smooth and free of dandruff, discharge and parasites.

The normal aural canal should be pink and the tympanic membrane will be easily visualized with only a small amount of light tan ear secretion present. The nose should also be clear of any discharge and no wetness or discoloration noted on the insides of the front feet. The anogenital area and feet should be free of fecal matter. Upon abdominal palpation the rabbit should be free of pain or abdominal masses, etc. and faecal contents should be plentiful without being over firm. Whereas diseased or abnormal rabbit will show considerable deviation in one or many above mentioned characters. Diseases causes considerable loss in any livestock business until not managed or controlled properly.