Sarcoptes scabiei (Acari: Sarcoptidae) infestation in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus): A case study

Abstract

Sarcoptic mange was suspected in three of five European albino rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) kept for experimental purposes. Gross examination revealed multifocal areas of alopecia around the eyes, nostrils and lips. Skin snips were processed using PCR for the molecular identification of the suspected mites. Histopathology of the skin snips showed erupted epidermis and stratum corneum with an infiltration of inflammatory cells. Skin scraping examination revealed the presence of adult mites as well as eggs. Microscopic taxonomy identified the adult mites as Sarcoptes (S.) scabiei (Acari: Sarcoptidae). The results of PCR indicated a 311 bp band from all the three cases, which confirmed the S. scabiei infestation in rabbits. Sarcoptes scabiei may be a public health concernthrough direct transmission from rabbits infested with S. scabiei through handling. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of S. scabiei infection in rabbits from Pakistan.

Mange in Rabbits: An Ectoparasitic Disease with a Zoonotic Potential

“…The main method of mite laboratory diagnosis is the skin scrapings of lesion edges in suspected animals [ 55 ]. A lesion with a diameter area of 2.5 cm 2 is moisturized with mineral oil and scrapped at the periphery with a sharp, clean, and sterilized scalpel till oozing of the blood.…”

“…Confirmation of mite species could be obtained via the amplification of a specific fragment [ 67 ]. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is regarded as a highly sensitive, reliable, and specific method for mite identification [ 55 ].…”

Plant extracts: An Eco-friendly Approach to Parasite Management in Rabbit production

“…Parasitological examination and skin scraping: Rabbits were selected for parasitological investigation after clinical examination, samples were taken from skin lesions using a dull scalpel blade dipped in physiological solution, and skin scrapings were collected from the skin of both distal forelimbs. Dermis, epidermis, scales, and hair were all included in the samples that were taken (Sajid et al, 2017). Each sample was dissolved in 5 ml of potassium hydroxide (KOH) 10% solution.…”

Identification of Tick Species on Angora Rabbits in Sothern's Areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

“…Other parasitic illnesses, such as tick irritants, may gradually weaken and debilitate them, rendering them more vulnerable to other ailments due to their diminished vigor (Frank et al, 2013). Rabbits' hair loss and wool quality may suffer due to tick attacks (Sohail et al, 2017;Sursal et al, 2014;Szkucik et al, 2014).…”