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I have a domestic rabbit that we have raised - we have a large, gated backyard. He has since lived in the backyard for months, somewhat free. We feed him daily. He has become hard to catch. I bathed him and brought him in because my rooster and him have been fighting (both adult males now).

Can my rabbit carry a disease? He only goes under the shed to sleep then out in the day to layout and eat.

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There are a number of infectious diseases that domestic rabbits can get and carry if they are outdoors:

  • Myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease are fatal viral infections with available vaccines.
  • Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a common parasite that may cause serious harm but could also be sub-clinical, infecting areas that don't destroy significant tissue.
  • Snuffles is a respiratory infection caused by Pasteurella multocida, a bacteria that can be treated with antibiotics but can become severely dangerous if left untreated

More info here: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/rabbits-infectious-disease

Of those listed, I believe only E. cuniculi is zoonotic (transmits between rabbits and humans).

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    It would be a great idea if you could include some of the more appropriate details from the linked webpage here. Not everyone likes to click on links (and web pages can die).
    – user8045
    Commented Aug 14, 2018 at 8:18
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Yes, the can also also get parasites if only outdoors for a short time, even on a snowy day, personally we treat with Revolution Flea & Tick to address most parasites. We also take them to the vet for annual well bunny checks.

One risk is Encephalitozoon cuniculi occasionally called 'EC' which I discuss in this answer

Leaving a rabbit outside unsupervised has a lot of risk if Owls will attack small dogs then rabbits are also at risk.

Optimally the best place for your rabbit to live is in your bedroom

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    "Optimally the best place for your rabbit to live is in your bedroom" - There is no green and if it is not a very big bedroom, not enough place to life a rabbits live. If you enclose the rabbit trough the night, and they can hide at day in the garden, then there is no reason to "store" them indoors...
    – Allerleirauh
    Commented May 2, 2019 at 6:40

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