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Abstract
Parasites of rabbits
The present study reports the prevalence of some internal parasites in domestic rabbits in Egypt, by regular sampling over one year (May 2009-April 2010). A total number of 240 rabbits were collected from local markets and their intestines were examined macroscopically and microscopically for the presence of internal parasites. The age of the examined rabbits ranged from 2-5 months. Samples were collected each month throughout the year. Seasonal fluctuations of the detected parasites were followed.
P. ambiguus (pin worm of rabbits) was present in 65 out of 240 rabbits (27.1%). The main feature of seasonal prevalence was a peak of P. ambiguus infestation during summer and winter (38.3% and 33.3 %,) followed by a gradual fall in spring and autumn (26.7% and 10 %).
Concerning Eimeria spp., 106 out of 240 rabbits (44.2%) revealed positive infection to both intestinal and hepatic coccidiosis. Hepatic Eimeria species represented the higher prevalence of 46.2%. While, intestinal Eimeria species recorded a lower prevalence of 30.2%. The prevalence of mixed infection was the lowest (23.6%). Regarding the seasonal prevalence, Eimeria species infection was high in spring (61.7%) followed by summer (51.7%) and winter (36.7%).The lowest prevalence was recorded in autumn (26.7%).
The measurements of the detected parasites were taken using a movable computer ruler (mcr).
A modified Ziehl-Neelson stain was used to stain intestinal smears from 60 rabbit in the last season (spring) for detection of Cryptosporidium, but they were negative.