Notoedric mange in rabbits and its therapeutic management by ivermectin

The study was carried out at MRCSG, Shuhama, Kashmir in the month of October, 2012. A total of 50 rabbits of different breeds like New Zealand White, Chinchilla and Angora were examined clinically, which either showed loss of fur or formation of crusts and papules on different body parts. Scrapings showed presence of mites and their eggs. These mites were identified as Notoedres cati var cuniculi (Notoedres cuniculi). The infested animals were treated with ivermectin subcutaneously @ 200μg/kg b.wt. On 7^th day post treatment, no mites or their developmental stages were demonstrated in the scrapings from the affected areas. Clinically, a significant improvement was also noted from the 7^th day post treatment and rabbits recovered completely within 2 to 3 weeks.