Chronic Psoroptes ovis Infestation Induces Testicular Degeneration and Submandibular Gland Hypertrophy in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Abstract

Rabbit meat is high in protein, vitamins and minerals, and low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, making it an ideal food for athletes, children, elderly and people with cardiovascular diseases, and is recommended by nutritionists as part of a balanced diet. Rabbits are frequently affected by an ear mite called Psoroptes ovis, which causes psoroptic mange. This parasite does not infect healthy humans, but in rabbits, it causes scabs and inflammation, altering their behavior and reproductive capacity, thus impacting their well-being and producing less meat. The purpose of this study was to analyze two organs important for communication and reproduction in rabbits: the testes and the glands located in the jaw. To achieve this, we compared healthy rabbits with rabbits infected with this parasite, finding that, even though the parasite is external to the rabbit, it can induce changes in the cells of the two organs studied, since in infested rabbits, changes in the shape and organization of their cells were observed. Thus, we confirmed that, despite being a dermatological disease, it causes invisible damage that affects communication and reproduction in rabbits.