Parasites

A few rabbit parasites. Chart by Mackenzie Kwak (Parasitologist)

What external parasites can be found in rabbits?

Rabbits are susceptible to a few kinds of ectoparasites or external parasites:

• Fleas
• Flystrike
• Lice
• Mites
• Ticks

The following are additional general resources on external parasites in rabbits:

• David Eshar, DVM, DABVP (ECM), DECZM (SM & ZHM). (2019). Ectoparasites in Rabbits
• Hilary Stern, DVM. (2015). External Parasites in Rabbits

What internal parasites can be found in rabbits?

Rabbits are susceptible to a few kinds of endoparasites or internal parasites:

• Coccidiosis
• Encephalitozoon cuniculi
• Pinworms
• Raccoon roundworm
• Obeliscoides cuniculi
• Sarcocystis
• Tapeworms
• Toxoplasmosis

The following are additional general resources on internal parasites in rabbits:

• Glen Cousquer. (2008). Internal parasites of rabbits

Further reading

• Claire Speight. (2019). Endo and ectoparasites in rabbits (Graphic)