Encephalitozoo Cuniculi

E cuniculi can remain dormant in rabbits their entire life.  However, the signs are typically neurological impairment. These are usually paralysis (partial or complete), loss of coordination, seizures, and or head tilt.  Not all cases of head tilt are related to this parasite infection.

We have also seen eyes affected by this parasite. A friend from another rabbitry has supplied us with the following photos. One bunny  has a filmy or cloudy appearance in the eye which was diagnosed by her veterinarian as e cuniculli. The other photo is harder to see, but it’s eye is bulging and dilated.  Both rabbits were diagnosed with E Cuniculli. She provided her vet receipt to show what was prescribed.

In order to know if your rabbit has been exposed to this parasite, there must be a blood test.  If it has been exposed to e cuniculi, the rabbit will produce antibodies that show it has been exposed.  A positive titre will state this. However,  it does not state if it has simply been exposed or it has an active infection.  One blood test is not going to tell you all you need to know.  Most people do not test because most rabbits are exposed. Unfortunately, rabbits are cheaper than a vet visit so a lot of rabbits exhibiting signs of e cuniculi,  will be terminally culled.

Please understand that if you are susceptible to illness, this parasite can occasionally infect humans (Zoonotic).

e cuniculi is transmitted by passing the spores through urine, ingesting, breathing, spores getting in eyes, and may be passed on to unborn kits during pregnancy from an infected doe.  Although a large percent of rabbits are exposed and carry this parasite internally, a very small percentage of rabbits will ever show the signs or die from it.

Treatment for infected rabbits showing symptoms may work but from our experience, it unfortunately was fatal in most cases.  It is recommended that an anti-inflammatory drug be used (ie: steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) to reduce inflammation or kill off the parasite.  The medication is a prescription drug (meloxicam). It is best to use in coordination with Panacur which can kill the parasite.  A daily dose for 28 days is what we have found recommended.

Cleaning is a must for the housing area.  The parasite can live for one month but can be killed by cleaning (bleach or disinfectant). Be sure to clean and disinfect every day when you treat .

Prevention:  We have a protocol when a rabbit enters into our herd.  They are subjected to a 60 day quarantine.  They can spend 28 days consecutive of this period, taking a daily treatment of fenbendazole (Panacur).  This ensures that if they have been exposed to E Cuniculi, it will be killed off from a 28 day dosage/treatment. All bedding and cages will be sanitized continuously to make sure there is no re-contamination.  This is just our policy here at CBB.  We have seen it pop up in a few cases (only one proven to be 100% by a veterinarian).  That was enough for us to take action. (We are still researching the time this dose needs to be given.  If we are sure the rabbit does not have an active case of EC, we administer a panacur for 9 days instead as prevention and the 28 days is for treatment.  

Treating rabbits with any form of medicine is no fun.  They typically do not like it but they don't seem to mind the panacur.  We put a pea size drop on a small portion of veggie and they will eat it right away.  We have also used papaya chew-able pills that they love and put the paste on it as well for them to eat.

The information we have here available to read on our website is gained through research, study and help from our veterinarian as well as lots of other breeders with experience.  We are not doctors and do not offer solutions like a licensed veterinarian does.  We are only posting our protocol and what works for us.

Here is a link to a site about treatment and prevention using fenbendazole (Panacur) to treat rabbits.  Rabbits are extremely popular as pets in Europe.  This is what they offer to treat and prevent e cuniculi over in Europe.  I have not found this available in the US like this (yet).
​http://www.msd-animal-health.co.uk/binaries/Panacur_-_Trade_Detail_Aid_tcm80-72082.pdf

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