Rabbit Fungus

There are several rather rare conditions caused by attacksof fungi in the rabbit. The most important are ringworm andfavus. Ringworm is transmissible to man and therefore greatcare should be taken in the unlikely eventuality of a caseappearing.
Ringworm is caused by a species of fungus of the genusTrichophyton. Circular bald patches appear together withreddish spots which later form yellow crusts. These crusts falloff and the skin becomes ulcerated. The disease may spreadrapidly, and bad cases should therefore be destroyed. In mildcases treatment consists in the application of any reliablefungicide or iodine.

Favus is caused by a fungus of the genus Achorion and is similar to ringworm, although the crusts are cup-shaped andgive off a characteristic odour. Permanent baldness resultsfrom an attack of favus. The same precautions and treatmentas for ringworm should be used.

Other conditions caused by fungi, although even rarer thanthe above, are thrush, aspergillosis and sporotrichosis.