Rabies is a severe viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. The virus spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, most often via a bite. While all mammals can contract rabies, its occurrence in rabbits is uncommon.
How Common is Rabies in Rabbits?
Rabies in rabbits is extremely rare. Unlike animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes, which are primary carriers of the rabies virus, rabbits are not recognized as significant hosts. This low incidence is partly due to their nature as prey animals; rabbits often do not survive an attack from a rabid animal long enough for the disease to progress and symptoms to appear.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that small rodents and lagomorphs, including rabbits and hares, are almost never found to be infected with rabies. Although rabbits are susceptible to the virus, their limited aggression also reduces the likelihood of transmission to other animals or humans.
Signs of Rabies in Rabbits
Should a rabbit contract rabies, the incubation period can range from two to three weeks. Initial symptoms are non-specific, making them difficult to distinguish from other common rabbit illnesses. Early signs include lethargy, weakness, fever, loss of appetite, and changes in behavior such as increased anxiety or irritability.
As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms become more apparent within days. These include uncoordinated movements, paralysis, particularly in the hind limbs, head tremors, or a head tilt. Other signs include excessive salivation or drooling, difficulty swallowing, teeth grinding, and unusual aggression or tameness.
Responding to Potential Exposure
If a pet rabbit is suspected of having rabies or has been exposed to a known or potentially rabid animal, immediate action is needed. Contact a veterinarian, and notify local animal control or public health authorities. There is no approved rabies vaccine specifically for rabbits, and no cure or treatment for the disease once symptoms appear.
Veterinarians may advise isolating the rabbit to prevent further transmission to other animals or humans. In suspicious cases, observation or euthanasia for post-mortem testing of brain tissue are common protocols to confirm a rabies diagnosis.
For wild rabbits exhibiting signs of illness or unusual behavior, it is advised not to approach or handle them. Instead, contact local animal control or wildlife authorities to report the animal and allow professionals to manage the situation. If a person is bitten or scratched by a rabbit suspected of being rabid, seeking immediate medical attention is recommended for appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis.