common cold in rabbits?

Question
I have a cold and just realised my rabbit has eaten a tissue i have been using. If the tissue has my germs on it can the rabbit be affected? Is cross contamination possible?

Answer
Hi Chris,

it could be possible, but only if your cold virus/bacteria also happens to be able to infect rabbits.  This generally does not happen.  A few diseases can cross between, but usually people are more worried about parasites from pets than viruses.  So I would say it is very very small (something I would not even worry about) your rabbit could pick up your cold from the tissue.  Just make sure you don't let them eat kleenex, especially if it has lotions and junk on it.  If you are worried you can always get some vitamin supplements for rabbits from your pet store and fortify his water with extra vitamins, just don't go overboard with them.  If he's an older rabbit vitamins aren't a bad idea.

Lee