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Ticks in rabbits

Apr 13, 2023 | Small Mammals

Do rabbits get paralysis ticks? Do rabbits get tick paralysis? 

Rabbits are hosts to ticks but appear relatively resistant to the neurotoxic effects of Ixodes holocyclus. A study on wild rabbits in Sydney found that most rabbits had quite a burden of larval and nymph ticks, but adult ticks were found in low numbers. When adult ticks were found, they were always on the head/neck area (where it’s more difficult to groom off). 

Rabbits presenting with lower motor neuron signs are more likely to have floppy rabbit syndrome, spinal disease/injury, or be generally weak from a systemic illness (or another illness or toxin altogether). And if those rabbits happen to have a tick on them, it may be a red herring or an indicator of debilitation and inability to groom.

Image reference:

Taylor CL et al. 2020. Invasive rabbits host immature Ixodes ticks at the urban-forest interface 11(4) Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases.

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