Coccidiosis

So when the weather is nice, I love to put my "elderly" rabbit in his big pen so he can run around in the grass. Since last year though, we have been constantly having to treat him for Coccidiosis that he supposedly got from being on the grass. He doesn't enjoy playing on the concrete as much, but is there any way I can treat the grass or something? I always hear about people putting their rabbits on the lawn and their bunny never gets sick.
Thanks!
-Kelli

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Once a rabbit is infected with coccidia it is with them for life.  Medication will only treat the active infection but there is always some of the infestation left hiding dormant in the gut.  So your rabbit may not even require re-exposure to exhibit symptoms of  an active infection.

It is almost impossible to eliminate all the life stages of coccidia from the environment.  Keeping the grass free of fecal matter can help.  Police the lawn or garden daily for any type of feces and remove it.  This will help a bit.

Therefore treat your rabbit for the active infection as often as necessary and allow him on the grass.