Efficacy of oral fluralaner for treatment and prevention of sarcoptic mange in pet rabbits: A clinical case series of 124 rabbits with risk factor assessment
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT Sarcoptic mange, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei , is one of the common clinically significant parasitic diseases in rabbits. Due to its zoonotic nature, it poses a threat to both animal and human health. Reports of treatment failure and suspected resistance to conventional antiparasitic agents underscore the need for alternative treatment options. Fluralaner (Bravecto®), acts through inhibition of GABA- and glutamate-gated chloride channels, inducing paralysis and death of the mite. This clinical study evaluated the efficacy of oral fluralaner in rabbits with clinically and microscopically confirmed sarcoptic mange, as well as rabbits considered at risk due to close contact with infected animals. A total of 124 rabbits were enrolled, including 95 confirmed infestations, 37 with a history of unsuccessful antiparasitic treatment and 58 with first-time infestations. Infestation severity was categorized as mild, moderate, or severe based on lesion distribution and clinical extent. Treatment consisted of a single oral dose of fluralaner at 25 mg/kg. Clinical signs, including pruritus, alopecia, scaling, and lesions, were monitored at Weeks 1, 2, 3, and 12 post-treatment. Microscopic examinations were performed when clinically indicated to monitor the parasitological response to treatment, and demographic and clinical variables were subjected to statistical analysis. Among the 124 enrolled rabbits, 95 had confirmed S. scabiei infestation and 29 were classified as at risk due to close contact with infected animals. All 95 confirmed cases, including 37 with a prior history of treatment failure, achieved complete clinical recovery following a single oral administration of fluralaner, corresponding to a 100% treatment success rate (95% CI: 96.2–100%). Microscopic examinations confirmed elimination of S. scabiei in the affected rabbits that continued to exhibit skin lesions by Week 3. Furthermore, none of the rabbits classified as at risk developed clinical signs of mange during follow-up. Pruritic skin lesions compatible with scabies were reported among members of eight (15.4%) of the 52 rabbit-owning households, underscoring the zoonotic and One Health significance of sarcoptic mange. These findings support oral fluralaner as a highly effective treatment for sarcoptic mange in rabbits and suggest its potential role as a preventive strategy in exposed animals.
Institution: University of Tehran
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,350
OpenAlex ID: W7223441123