Most domestic rabbits are completely safe to handle and communicate with. It is very unlikely that they will spread any infectious disease to humans. Wild rabbits are less likely to spread the disease when you come in contact with them, but they are less likely to be contagious. You must be wondering what are the most contagious diseases that transmit from rabbits to humans.
Table of Contents
Zoonotic diseases from rabbits to humans
Rabbits can carry many diseases that can be spread to other animals or people. The most dangerous ones include Tularaemia and E. cuniculi. Despite this, rabbits rarely transmit any infectious disease to humans. It is best to take basic safety precautions when handling pets and controlling how they interact with each other.
Contagious diseases that transmit from rabbits to humans
Rabbits are not as big carriers as mice or other small animals. You are more likely to get the disease from other people than a domestic rabbit. Usually, the most important thing to worry about is a small infection in the area of ​​the bite or scratch, even if your rabbit carries any of these infections. However, in theory, it is possible to catch many dangerous diseases from a pet or wild rabbit.
Tularemia (rabbit fever) in humans
Tularemia is also known as rabbit fever. It is a disease that is caused by a bacterial infection. It can cause ulcers and swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, the virus will enter the lungs and cause symptoms of pneumonia. Some pets can also become infected. Domestic cats in addition to small pets, such as hamsters, can catch and spread the disease.
Rabbit disease passed to humans, Salmonella
Rarely do rabbits carry and transmit salmonella, but it is possible for it. Salmonella is a viral disease that can cause diarrhoea and vomiting in humans. It can cause serious illness in young children, the immune system, and the elderly.
Ringworm from rabbits to humans
Ringworm is a fungal disease that causes circular rashes on the skin and scalp. It is mainly transmitted from rabbits to humans and causes serious diseases. Although not particularly dangerous, it can affect many species of pets, including rabbits. Irritating and itchy bumps can cause hair loss and spread easily to other parts of the body, such as the paws or fingers.
Encephalitozoon cuniculi
E. Cuniculi is a fungal parasite that can cause more serious and serious symptoms than rabbits. It can cause emotional disturbances and rabbit paralysis. However, many rabbits are healthy and do not show any symptoms at all.
Rabies diseases from rabbits to humans
Rabies is a contagious disease that causes an effect on the central nervous system. It is very deadly, and if a person has clinical symptoms, such as fear, vomiting, confusion, and excessive saliva, they are more likely to cause death.
Tetanus
Tetanus is one of the diseases that transmit from rabbits to humans. It is caused when toxic levels of bacteria enter the body, usually through a deep cut or a serious ulcer. It attacks the nervous system, causes muscle contraction, and can even affect a person’s ability to breathe. There is no cure for tetanus, but it can be prevented by vaccination.
Snuffles disease in humans
Snuffles is a highly bacterial respiratory bacterium that causes cold-like symptoms in rabbits. If you treat symptoms, it can be a life-threatening condition for rabbits, but many rabbits also carry germs in their noses without showing any active symptoms.
How to prevent the spread of diseases from rabbits to humans
Although you are less likely to get the disease than your pet rabbit, it is still best to take basic precautionary measures to prevent the spread of potential infections. This will help protect you and those who are physically weak in your life, and will also help protect your rabbit from infections that can spread.
- Avoid eating or drinking while holding your rabbit.
- Keep your hands clean by washing before and after handling your rabbit.
- Wear gloves when handling sick rabbits.
- Change clothes after handling a sick rabbit.
- Clean any bites or abrasions with soap and water.
- Wash your hands after contact with rabbit urine or faeces.
- Keep rabbits in cages clean and tidy.
Keep yourself safe from the diseases that transmit from rabbits to humans. I can be very deadly. Make sure to protect and keep the precautions.