Rabbits...is it dangerous?

Question

My friend's neighbors released a few rabbits into their yard a few months ago. Now there at least 100 out there. My friend doesn't mind the rabbits except for there are rabbit droppings all over her yard now. She has cats who sometimes go out for a romp in the yard and is concerned about whether her cats or her family is in danger of any diseases the rabbit droppings might give them. What diseases could they carry? We don't have regular animal control here like in civilized parts of the US and TNR is not an option as she can't afford to pay for all the rabbit's vet bills on her own.

Answer 1

There shouldn't be many things transmittable to cats from rabbits.

Fleas and ticks, of course, as well as ring worm (but that's a rarity) and of course, worms. But as long as she keeps them up to date with flea and worming stuff, which she should do anyway if she's a responsible owner, they shouldn't catch anything.

Cats catch rabbits all the time- pull them apart, even eat them raw. I wouldn't worry about it. Mxy and VHD are non transferable to cats.

And as for human diseases, unless she EATS the poo, she won't catch anything. Worms, for example, would have to be injested from the poo- she wouldn't eat it,and I doubt the cats will eat it either. It's more of a concern that the cats will get fleas/ticks from the bunnies.