Rabbit Health
Coccidiosis in Rabbits UK — Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Published Last updated 2 min read
Quick answer
Coccidiosis is a parasitic infection affecting UK rabbits' intestines or liver. Young rabbits are most vulnerable. Signs include diarrhoea, weight loss and poor growth. Good hygiene, clean housing and vet-prescribed treatment prevent serious illness and death.
Two forms of rabbit coccidiosis
| Form | Organ affected | Main signs |
|---|---|---|
| Intestinal | Small intestine | Watery or mucoid diarrhoea, dehydration, weight loss |
| Hepatic (liver) | Liver | Poor growth, enlarged abdomen, jaundice, sudden death in kits |
Both forms are caused by different Eimeria species. A rabbit vet can identify the form through faecal testing and clinical signs.
Signs to watch for
- Diarrhoea — watery, mucoid or bloody
- Weight loss despite eating
- Poor growth in young rabbits
- Lethargy and reduced appetite
- Dehydration — sunken eyes, dry gums
- Bloated abdomen (hepatic form)
- Jaundice — yellow gums (hepatic form)
Diarrhoea in rabbits is always concerning — it can rapidly lead to gut stasis, a separate emergency. Contact your vet promptly for any digestive upset.
How coccidiosis spreads
Eimeria oocysts are shed in faeces and survive in bedding, hutches and soil for extended periods. Rabbits ingest oocysts through:
- Contaminated hay or feed
- Dirty water bowls
- Grooming fur with attached faecal matter
- Contact with infected rabbits' droppings
Overcrowded hutches, poor drainage and failure to clean housing accelerate spread.
Diagnosis and treatment
Your rabbit-savvy vet will:
- Examine faecal samples for oocysts
- Assess hydration and body condition
- Check for concurrent gut stasis or other disease
Treatment typically includes:
- Anticoccidial medication — toltrazuril or ponazuril (vet-prescribed)
- Fluid therapy — subcutaneous or intravenous for dehydrated rabbits
- Gut support — probiotics and fibre as advised
- Environmental decontamination — thorough hutch cleaning
Never use anticoccidial drugs intended for poultry or other species without veterinary guidance — dosing errors are dangerous.
Prevention in UK rabbit housing
- Clean hutches regularly — remove droppings daily; full clean weekly
- Avoid overcrowding — provide adequate space per RWAF guidelines
- Elevated hay racks — keep feed above droppings
- Fresh water daily — clean bowls and bottles regularly
- Quarantine new rabbits — two weeks before introducing to existing groups
- Reduce stress — secure housing, companionship, predator-proof enclosures
When to see your vet urgently
- Profuse diarrhoea or bloody stools
- Rabbit not eating for 12+ hours
- No droppings for 12+ hours (gut stasis risk)
- Lethargy with bloated abdomen
- Young kit with sudden decline
Sources & further reading
Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.
PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is coccidiosis in rabbits?
- Coccidiosis is an infection caused by Eimeria protozoa parasites. It affects the intestines (intestinal form) or liver (hepatic form). Young rabbits and those in poor conditions are most at risk.
- How do rabbits get coccidiosis?
- Rabbits ingest Eimeria oocysts from contaminated faeces, bedding or feed. Overcrowding, poor hygiene and stress increase transmission. Oocysts survive in the environment for weeks.
- Can coccidiosis kill a rabbit?
- Yes. Severe intestinal coccidiosis causes profuse diarrhoea and dehydration. Hepatic coccidiosis damages the liver and can be fatal in young rabbits without prompt treatment.
- How is rabbit coccidiosis treated?
- Your vet prescribes anticoccidial medication (such as toltrazuril or ponazuril) alongside supportive care — fluids, gut protectants and stress reduction. Environmental cleaning is essential to prevent reinfection.