Fungal Disease

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RINGWORM:  Ringworm is a relatively uncommon fungal disease in

rabbits.  It is caused by an agent similar to the one that causes

athlete's foot in people.  It is transmitted easily by direct

contact with fungal spores on haircoats, bedding and soil.  It

most commonly affects juvenile rabbits and susceptible adults,

usually causing multiple hairless areas with slightly reddened

skin.  These hairless areas are often covered with a slight or

heavy crust.  The patches usually occur on the head, ears and

forelimbs.



Spot application of topical preparations can be used to treat a

few individual areas, but oral medication is required if

ringworm affects much of the body.



Ringworm can be transmitted to susceptible people (including

children).  Caution should, therefore, be exercised in handling

rabbits with ringworm.