Big Question

Question
Hello,
 Recently my rabbit had to be put down from a severe case of snuffles and I would like to get another rabbit sometime and I was wondering if there is any blood work or tests that I could do to see if they have snuffles before I buy them. I know the signs of snuffles but the rabbit could be like mine and not show signs of snuffles till the case is severe. I would also like to know if you knew any good places to get a rabbit in Michigan. Please answer my question as soon as possible. Thank you.
            Lulu

Answer
Hi Lulu

Are you anywhere near Grand Rapids or Lansing?  I have a friend there that I can assure you has healthy rabbits.  Please send me a message and mark it private and I can tell you a few breeders in Michigan that can get you a good healthy rabbit.

As for snuffles the problem is that it is caused by so many different things.  There is no test to determine if it has snuffles.  You can get an ELISA test but it is only going to tell you if a rabbit carries certain things.  About 90% of the rabbit population carries the bacteria that cause snuffles.  Any rabbit that is stressed who carries these illnesses may acquire them at anytime.  Often times a carrier will suddenly become ill due to stress from change in temperature, stress from other animals, stress from having babies etc.  I know you are looking for a pet and the best place to get a pet is from a breeder who prides themselves on having a healthy herd.  When you pick out a rabbit you want to be able to see the parents and the other rabbits in the vicinity.  If you see any signs of sickness in a barn you should not get your pet from there.  Now this means the general population of the barn.  I have 2 rabbits in my barn right now that are sick.  They are completely isolated from the rest of the herd and both have genetic defects that are not contagious.  They are isolated because with their already weakened immune system they are susceptible to just about anything.  A reputable breeder will cull any rabbit that shows any signs of illness and will take pride in building a herd that is resistant to illness.  This does not mean that one of their rabbits will not become ill, it just means that when one does it is removed.

Whatever you do, do not get your new pet from a pet store.  They are housed with other animals, are often weaned before 8 weeks and you don't know the history of the parents.  However tempting it may be it is far better and safer to get a bunny from a reputable breeder who knows their herd.  Most of the time these breeders will either give their culls away or sell them for $5-$10, depending on who they are.  

Here is a link that will give you some info on Michigan breeders:

http://www.rabbitandcavydirectory.com/arba_district_states/Michigan_breeders.htm

Again if you want to send me a private message I will give you the names of a few people.  My entire herd started from a breeder in Michigan and I have known her for many years.  She has approximately 400 rabbits and besides the occasional illness she has never had an outbreak of any contagious diseases in her herd.

I hope this helps and I am truly sorry about your bunny.  I know how hard it is to deal with snuffles and it is so sad to watch the bunnies suffer.

Sincerely,

Pam