Rabbit Coccidiosis

This chapter aims to highlight the main features of coccidiosis in rabbits. The Eimeria genus belongs to the Apicomplexa phylum causing intestinal and hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits. The complete life cycle of Eimeria is monoxenous leading to the development of successive protozoa stage inside the epithelial cells of the intestine or bile ducts of the host, until their rupture. Subclinical and clinical coccidiosis mainly affect fattening rabbits from approximately 6 weeks old. Additionally, rabbits are also reservoir hosts for this protozoan when their immunity level mitigates the intensity of the lesions and clinical signs. Due to their biologic complexity, a bidirectional cause-effect with other diseases can occur. The treatment of coccidiosis is likely, even when some limitations of drug effectiveness are observed during gametogony. Nevertheless, due to Eimeria ubiquity in rabbitries, only prevention is suitable to keep rabbit performance, health, and well-being at acceptable levels. Currently, coccidiosis control is anticoccidial drug-based, even when other sanitary measures are ensured. Immunization-based measures are under investigation to avoid anticoccidial use and resistance.