Rabbits are used by humans in a variety of ways and for very different reasons. They are becoming increasingly popular as pets, and rabbit welfare is important to most pet owners, although there are hardly any legal requirements for keeping pet rabbits. Many aspects of pet rabbits' health and welfare still require further research to improve housing systems and veterinary care.
In contrast, rabbits are also used for meat production and are kept and bred in cages on farms. In most countries, keeping of rabbits on farm is not legally regulated either. However, there is agreement among researchers on the need to improve housing systems for fattening rabbits regarding animal welfare.
Rabbits are also used for scientific purposes in human and veterinary medicine as well as pharmacy. For this area, there are legal requirements in many countries. However, welfare aspects such as environmental enrichment or pain assessment need further research.
In each of the areas mentioned above, there are specific issues and challenges related to rabbit health and welfare. The scientific questions arising from that are as different as the housing and management systems themselves, although it is always about the same animal species.
Consequently, research results on all types of rabbit husbandry (as pets, on the farm or in the lab) should be combined in this article collection. The aim is to give an overview of new research outcomes dealing with the well-being and health of rabbits in different environments. New knowledge should be communicated that will improve the life of rabbits and prevent or counteract diseases and stress in their housing environment.
In this Research Topic, all forms of rabbit husbandry and breeding should receive attention. All topics related to rabbit health and welfare are welcome. Whether pet rabbits, laboratory animals or rabbits on farm - new knowledge is needed everywhere to understand and improve the life of rabbits. We therefore encourage scientists working with rabbits to submit their research here.
This Research Topic will cover a selection of current research, including but not limited to:
• Diseases and veterinary care of pet rabbits
• Housing and welfare of pets rabbits
• Housing, welfare and health of rabbits kept on farm
• Welfare and environment of laboratory rabbits
• Stress and pain assessment in rabbits
Rabbits are used by humans in a variety of ways and for very different reasons. They are becoming increasingly popular as pets, and rabbit welfare is important to most pet owners, although there are hardly any legal requirements for keeping pet rabbits. Many aspects of pet rabbits' health and welfare still require further research to improve housing systems and veterinary care.
In contrast, rabbits are also used for meat production and are kept and bred in cages on farms. In most countries, keeping of rabbits on farm is not legally regulated either. However, there is agreement among researchers on the need to improve housing systems for fattening rabbits regarding animal welfare.
Rabbits are also used for scientific purposes in human and veterinary medicine as well as pharmacy. For this area, there are legal requirements in many countries. However, welfare aspects such as environmental enrichment or pain assessment need further research.
In each of the areas mentioned above, there are specific issues and challenges related to rabbit health and welfare. The scientific questions arising from that are as different as the housing and management systems themselves, although it is always about the same animal species.
Consequently, research results on all types of rabbit husbandry (as pets, on the farm or in the lab) should be combined in this article collection. The aim is to give an overview of new research outcomes dealing with the well-being and health of rabbits in different environments. New knowledge should be communicated that will improve the life of rabbits and prevent or counteract diseases and stress in their housing environment.
In this Research Topic, all forms of rabbit husbandry and breeding should receive attention. All topics related to rabbit health and welfare are welcome. Whether pet rabbits, laboratory animals or rabbits on farm - new knowledge is needed everywhere to understand and improve the life of rabbits. We therefore encourage scientists working with rabbits to submit their research here.
This Research Topic will cover a selection of current research, including but not limited to:
• Diseases and veterinary care of pet rabbits
• Housing and welfare of pets rabbits
• Housing, welfare and health of rabbits kept on farm
• Welfare and environment of laboratory rabbits
• Stress and pain assessment in rabbits
