Diversity and Distribution of Ecto and Gastrointestinal Parasites in Domestic Rabbits from the Grand-Ouaga, Burkina Faso

Abstract

In Burkina Faso, livelihoods rely strongly on the primary sector such as livestock farming. Owing to their high reproductive potential, rapid growth, and relatively low production costs, rabbit farming appeared increasingly as a sustainable source of income and animal protein. However, rabbits are frequently affected by parasitic infections, which can impede their productivity. In Burkina Faso, data on the parasite fauna associated with rabbit remains scarce. The present study aimed to assess the diversity of parasites infecting domestic rabbits in Ouagadougou and its surrounding peri-urban areas. From June to October 2025, 30 domestic rabbits were examined for parasite collection. A total of 438 individuals parasites were collected. Two species of gastrointestinal Nematoda (Passalurus ambiguruus, Passalurus sp.) and one species of ectoparasitic Achnida (Rhipicephalus sp.) were identified. The overall prevalence and mean intensity of infection were 33.33% and 43.8 parasites per infected host, respectively. The Infection level varied significantly among digestive tract organs, with the cecum and colon exhibiting the highest infection, while no infection was observed in stomach and small intestine. The Nematoda Passalurus ambiguruus was both the most frequent and the most abundant species recorded. The results revealed substantial parasite loads in the rabbit cecum, which may negatively affect rabbit farming given the central role of this organ in digestion and nutrient absorption. These findings highlight the importance of gastrointestinal parasitism in domestic rabbits and provide baseline data on rabbit parasitism. They may contribute to supporting future research on rabbit farming and to improving sustainable development of rabbit production in Burkina Faso.