Outbreak and management of Sarcoptes scabiei infection in a rabbit colony from Bathinda, Punjab

Commercial rabbit farming is commonly practiced in the Bathinda belt of Punjab, where mange, primarily caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, is a significant parasitic disease. It leads to serious health issues in rabbits and substantial economic losses. The current report highlights an outbreak of S. scabiei infection in rabbits from the Rampura Phul region of Bathinda district of Punjab. Affected rabbits exhibited symptoms including heavy crust formation on various parts of the body, alopecia, erythema, pruritus, and anorexia. Skin scrapings were taken, confirming the presence of S. scabiei. Treatment with ivermectin (subcutaneously at 200 µg/kg body weight, with three doses at weekly intervals) was administered, along with supportive care. One month after treatment, the entire rabbit colony was found to be free of mites on microscopic examination.