A case report of Sarcoptes scabiei in laboratory rabbits at the Institute for Medical Research (IMR)

In this case report, two New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits presented to the Laboratory Animal Resource Unit (LARU) at the Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Malaysia, with intense scratching, itching, and reduced appetite.They exhibited dry, crusty lesions on the ears, nose, and paws, with ear discharge forming thick black crusts.The diagnosis was confirmed through deep skin scrapings, revealing Sarcoptes scabiei mites under a microscope and electron microscopy.The rabbits were successfully treated with subcutaneous Ivermectin at 0.3 mg/kg every 14 days for three treatments, leading to complete recovery in seven weeks.Subsequent skin scrapings confirmed the absence of mites.Sarcoptes scabiei is a zoonotic mite that can infest humans through direct contact with infested animals, potentially affecting research outcomes.Comprehensive treatment and thorough environmental disinfection are essential to prevent disease spread.In this case, sarcoptic mange in the rabbits was successfully treated.