Are bird droppings harmful to rabbits?

[Katie94]

Hello does anyone know if bird droppings are likely to be harmful to rabbits? We have had more birds visiting the garden lately where I let my rabbits out. I try to make sure the area is clean but you can’t always spot everything in the grass.

 

[JBun]

Feces of any species always has the potential to pass bacteria or parasites, but I wouldn't worry about it too much as long as there isn't a big build up of it. Just hopping around outdoors has that potential from a variety of different vectors , not just from bird poop. As long as a rabbit is healthy, not stressed, with a healthy immune system, it's not usually going to be a problem. Though if frequently outdoors then regular deworming might be something that is needed.

The biggest risk in your country of a rabbit contracting something outdoors is with myxo, rhd1, and rhd2. If your rabbit is vaccinated from all three then it's less of a concern. However if your rabbit doesn't have these vaccinations, that are needed to be given each year, then I would suggest keeping your rabbit indoors until properly vaccinated, and waiting the appropriate time for immunity to develop.

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-health/disease/vaccinations/

 

[Katie94]

Feces of any species always has the potential to pass bacteria or parasites, but I wouldn't worry about it too much as long as there isn't a big build up of it. Just hopping around outdoors has that potential from a variety of different vectors , not just from bird poop. As long as a rabbit is healthy, not stressed, with a healthy immune system, it's not usually going to be a problem. Though if frequently outdoors then regular deworming might be something that is needed.

The biggest risk in your country of a rabbit contracting something outdoors is with myxo, rhd1, and rhd2. If your rabbit is vaccinated from all three then it's less of a concern. However if your rabbit doesn't have these vaccinations, that are needed to be given each year, then I would suggest keeping your rabbit indoors until properly vaccinated, and waiting the appropriate time for immunity to develop.

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-health/disease/vaccinations/

Thank you that is reassuring, we have all of our rabbits vaccinated up to date for all diseases mentioned above.

 

[Black Otter's Mom]

Pigeon feces can spread histoplasmosis to humans but I am not sure if rabbits can get that. In the US they do not vaccinate bunnies at all which is hard to accept for bunny owners!