How is rabbit disease transmitted?

[Luna]

I’m meeting with a rabbit rescue to donate some supplies and meet a bun that I want to sponsor . I was thinking about volunteering in the future by helping them with cleaning the buns’ cages, but only if doing so doesn’t pose a risk to Luna’s health. Are there rabbit bacteria/viruses in the U.S. that could be incidentally transmitted from a bun to my hair/shoes/clothing to Luna? I would obviously wash my hands after handling any bun/litter waste, but what if a bun is shedding spores and it gets on my clothes? Is that possible?

[Bam]

Theoretically a bun could shed ec spores in it’s urine, the urine could theoretically dry up to a fine powder and spores get onto your clothes and be transmitted to your bunnies. I think it’s low risk though. The european/Aussie viruses are far worse but you don’t have to worry about those of course =)

We have other members that volunteer/have volunteered. BB herself, Tobyluv, Sonn and several others. You could ask them, or maybe they’ll see your thread and tell you about the safety measures they take.

There can be other adverse effects than contagion though. I don’t know if you read Sonn’s thread about her Moonshine (English lop) from some time ago. He became a raving mad Monty Python bunny monster when she started volunteering at a bun shelter. She had to change all clothes, shower and wash her hair before entering the same room as Moonshine or he’d attack her mercilessly.

[pinknfwuffy]

I agree with Bam, there is always a possibility but the probability is quite low if you are safe.

Definitely wash your hands between the shelter and home. (Some shelters ask volunteers to wash their hands between rabbits, too, to prevent contamination). I would suggest doing so before you leave the shelter and again when you get home. It is also suggested to have a dedicated pair of shoes that you leave at the shelter (or in your car) that are only worn when you’re working. Rain boots are a great option. That will keep any litter or debris from being transported into your home.

I would second the issue of carrying other bunnies’ scent. Olaf won’t come near me if I’ve spent any time with other animals and their smell is on my clothes. In addition to the boots or sneakers I’d suggest having a dedicated pair of pants or old shirt to wear that you can change out of when you get home. This might also be beneficial since working at a shelter can be messy!

Still a great opportunity though and you are very generous to offer your time. Don’t let this deter you – just be cautious. Good luck!

[tobyluv]

I’ve been volunteering at a rabbit sanctuary for many years, during which time I’ve had various rabbits in my own home. I would always wash my hands and take off my shoes before interacting with my rabbits, and I would usually change my clothes since they might be dirty or sweaty, but there have been times when I’ve not changed my clothes or showered right away, and there have never been any problems with my rabbits picking up any bacteria, parasites or diseases, and they have never gone crazy from the scent that I might have picked up from other rabbits. I rarely pick up any sanctuary rabbits unless they need to be relocated for some reason, so their scent would be more likely on my shoes or socks or the bottom of my pants if I’m wearing long pants, or on my arms or sleeves if I pet them. I clean out their yards so the most contact I usually have would be when one of the friendly ones (some are wary of people due to past treatment) come up around my shoes (to possibly nibble on laces) or brush up against my socks or the bottom of my pants, and want to be petted. My shoes are kept in the garage since they are old and dirty. I have heard some of the other volunteers say that their rabbit reacted to the scent of other rabbits on their clothing, but it was never a violent reaction. Just interest and curiosity. All of my rabbits would just give me a few sniffs, but that’s about the extent of their reaction.

There are some rabbits that come into the sanctuary with fleas or lice or mites, but they are being treated and they are kept isolated, so I don’t really deal with them. There may be others in the health care building with respiratory problems, and I may give them a pat or two, but most of the rabbits in that building have chronic conditions that aren’t contagious, so there are few worries of bringing anything home with me, and I never have.

[Luna]

Great advice everyone! Good point about the scent, I didn’t think about that. Thanks for sharing your volunteer experience tobyluv! Very helpful info. I’ll post an update and a pic later tonite under the Rescue forum .

[Author]

Messages