Major Endoparasitoses in Rabbits: oxyuriosis and Metacestodosis

Helminthosis involves both Nematoda and Cestoda parasites which infect rabbits. Pinworm infection is the most prevalent nematode found in rabbitries, even under environmental and nutritional controlled conditions. Monoxenous Passalurus ambiguus (Rudolphi, 1819) infect the cecum and colon of young and adult rabbits and can persist for a long time in rabbitries. Its nutritional depletive action can cause significant losses to poor performances, if not controlled by regular screenings and deworming. Also, metacestodoses represent biohazards in domestic and wild rabbits, mainly in small-scale or open populations. The larval form Cysticercus pisiformis is the most prevalent metacestode, but both Coenurus serialis and Echinococcus polymorphus are characterized by their zoonotic potential. Usually, these diseases are inapparent, and specific clinical signs are related to the tissue where the cysts are implanted. Surveillance at slaughterhouse level is required to monitoring these parasitoses. This chapter describes the main features of rabbit’s oxyuriosis, cisticercosis, coenurosis, and hydatidosis.