Fur Mites in Rabbits

Fur Mites in Rabbits: Learn how to identify and eradicate this non-burrowing parasite in your rabbit. Plus, treating your rabbit's environment to prevent re-infestation.

Typical appearance of fur mites (cheyletiellosis) in rabbits. Photo Credit: Research Gate (CC2.0).

The other day I picked up one of my rabbits. I held her close and petted her, rubbing her head and ears, and stroking her over her back. (Rex rabbits are like that...difficult to stop holding and petting because they're so......plush.)

As I did so, I felt something like scabby lumps in the triangle just behind her ears. Further investigation revealed fur mites.

Fur mites (Cheyletiella parasitovorax) are non-burrowing little arachnid parasites¹ that like to chew on your rabbit's fur and skin. Feeling those little scabby lumps where you should be feeling smooth fur is sometimes the first clue to their presence. A fur mite infestation is known as cheyletiellosis. You can probably see from the photo why it is also known as "Walking Dandruff."

The incidence of fur mites in rabbits rises in the spring as the weather begins to warm up. Rabbits with weaker immune systems are more likely to suffer an infestation (that's definitely a clue to keep a closer eye on my doe), while some very healthy rabbits play host to fur mites yet show no symptoms at all.

Mites are itchy to the rabbit, apparently. As the rabbit scratches the infested area, often the neck at the base of the ears, she might nick her skin and draw a little blood. Plus, the tiny skin bites release bits of serum. I was feeling all of that.

Severe infestations cause dandruff, seborrheic (waxy) lesions, and fur loss. You'll typically see bare spots, or a triangle of short new fur behind the ears continually trying to grow in.

Just so you know, it is possible for fur mites to give people a temporary rash, though since we are not 'furry,' the problem is usually short-lived.

Where Do Fur Mites Come From?

We keep our rabbits in all-wire cages, which means they would not normally be exposed to fur mites. But we do attend rabbit shows now and again, so our doe may have picked them up from other rabbits or from the show barn environment.

Rabbits typically pick up fur mites from:

• The family dog or cat
• From the rabbit's environment, including inside the home from articles of care such as brushes or collars, and in the yard if given access to these areas. 
• Sometimes mites hitch a ride into the rabbitry on bales of hay or straw.
• It is possible for you yourself to transmit fur mites to your rabbits if you happen to have picked up a temporary case of fur mites on your own body.
• According to the Science Direct website, scientists suggest that fur mites may attach themselves to other types of arthropod parasites, such as fleas, and then hop onto your rabbits. Just a heads up in case you notice Fido and Fluffy doing the scratch dance. Parasite hitch-hiking is known as “phoresy"².  

Interestingly, there are some rabbits that can host a few fur mites and show no signs of the infestation at all. Such rabbits of necessity have very strong immune systems.

How to Eradicate Fur Mites in Rabbits

There are powders, solutions, or injectables that can eradicate an infestation, but beware a couple other products that don't work at all, or may even harm your rabbit.

Use These:

• Cat or kitten flea powders with pyrethrin being the active ingredient should obliterate the adult fur mites in rabbits.  A second dusting 10 days later is very important in order to kill newly hatched mites. The two treatments should solve the infestation, but if necessary, a third application 10-14 days after the second dusting is acceptable. Amazon (ad) offers a plethora of powders and sprays for fleas. 
  
  
• Ivermectin effectively eliminates Cheyletiella parasitovorax fur mites. It can be administered orally, subcutaneously (injected just under the skin but not in the veins or muscle), or topically as a wash over the skin.
  
  -- Give 0.1 - 0.18 mg per pound (0.2 - 0.4 mg per kg), either orally or subcutaneously. Administer upon discovery, and then again 10-14 days later. A third dose is acceptable, given 10-14 days after the second dose.
  
  -- If using 1% Cattle Injectable Ivermectin, inject 0.018cc per pound subcutaneously. (Oral administration of this amount can be given in place of subcutaneous administration.)
  
  -- If using 1.87% Injectable Ivermectin for livestock, inject 0.01 - 0.18cc per pound subcutaneously. The dose for a 10 pound rabbit would be 0.1 - 0.18cc. Administer upon discovery, and then again 10-14 days later. A third dose is acceptable, given 10-14 days after the second dose. (A third dose is recommended by MediRabbit³.)
  
  -- To administer topically, pour a liquid preparation containing 0.1 - 0.18 mg per pound (0.2 - 0.4 mg per kg) directly on/over the affected areas on the rabbit (same rate of dosage as for oral or subcutaneous). Dose two more times at 10 - 14 day intervals in order to kill the hatching eggs. 

NOTE: Don't confuse 'mg' with 'cc.' The numbers are similar but the decimal points are NOT in the same place.

• Revolution® (Selamectin) is related to Ivermectin and can also be used. (Use Revolution only on rabbits 11 pounds (5 kg) or more, and at your own risk.)
  
  

Keep Your Rabbits Healthy

Click the pic to purchase!

Rabbit owners ask two very important questions:

• What do these symptoms mean??
• How can I get my rabbit healthy again?

Overall health comes from a strong immune system. A strong immune system is essential for the rabbit to ward off threats to its health (such as snuffles), and to stay healthy (such as keeping rabbit feet healthy, well furred, and free of sores).

We've done our best to provide you with strong website resources to help you keep your rabbits healthy! Our e-book, Keep Your Rabbits Healthy, is an enhanced compilation of ALL the health- and disease-related pages, information, and photos on the Raising-Rabbits website. If you can keep your rabbits healthy, great! And even better if you can overcome your rabbits' health problems. 

The only layman's resource more extensive that I know of is the book, Rabbit Raising Problem Solver. Check them both out!

As always, your purchase is 100% risk free. See our Double Value Guarantee below.

Don't Use These:

• Do NOT use Frontline^®. The manufacturer of Frontline products strongly recommends against using it on rabbits as the side effects can be severe, including death.
  
  
• Don't use Advantage® on rabbits. Advantage is not effective against fur mites. It won't work.
  
  
• Please consult your rabbit-savvy veterinarian as needed.
  

• To avoid a re-infestation, you’ll need to thoroughly clean, and then treat the rabbit’s environment. Borax and diatomaceous earth are effective natural choices.
  
  
• The healthier your rabbit is, the better it can repel parasites.
  
  
• Be sure to recheck your animal after a full course of treatment, to ensure the mites are gone and to verify that the fur in the affected areas is growing back well.
  
  
• Also check the family pets, and any other rabbits that live with or near an infested rabbit, and treat as necessary.
  
  

The Merck Vet Manual may offer additional information. 

References:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/veterinary-science-and-veterinary-medicine/cheyletiella
   
   
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/phoresy
   
   
3. https://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Skin_diseases/Parasitic/furmite/fur_mite.htm
   
   
4. Photo Credit: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Rabbit-with-cheyletiellosis-Rabbit-with-cheyletiellosis-with-typical-signs-of_fig1_5679233