Myxomatosis Outbreak in the South West

Hichcroft is warning of a myxomatosis outbreak in Bristol and the South West and are urging all rabbit owners to be vigilant and to check that their pets are vaccinated against myxomatosis.

Myxomatosis is a dreadful disease that causes rabbits immense suffering. It is a virus that is spread by insects, including mosquitoes, midges, flies, fleas and fur mites. The wet weather and floods this year have increased the breeding grounds for insects which has, in turn, started a wave of myxomatosis outbreaks.

Brigitte Reusch, veterinary surgeon and consultant in zoological medicine explains "An outbreak usually stars with a trickle of cases soon escalating into scores. We have already had 4 cases in the last 10 days and are anxious that rabbit owners are aware of the danger."

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms start with runny eyes and rapidly progress to severe conjunctivitis which causes blindness. This is accompanied by the swelling of the head and genital regions, lumps on the body and thick pus discharges from the nose and eyes.

Unvaccinated rabbits that contract the disease will almost certainly die. Affected rabbits can take a fortnight to die and treatment is usually futile, which is why euthanasia is usually recommended.

Vaccinated rabbits can still become ill but are much more likely to respond to treatment. If a vaccinated rabbit develops myxomatosis, the disease is usually much less severe. The exact pattern of the disease seen in vaccinated animals is very variable and impossible to predict: it depends upon how much immunity the rabbit has. Some rabbits develop just a few odd skin lesions and remain otherwise well; others become quite poorly and suffer from swellings and conjunctivitis more like classical myxomatosis. The difference is that vaccination turns a fatal illness into one that is potentially treatable.

Is my rabbit at risk?

Myxomatosis poses a threat to all pet rabbits - flies can come into the house and you could bring it in on your shoes, so even house rabbits are at risk!

How can I prevent it?

Vaccinate your rabbit every 6 months as this year is a high risk year. The vaccine will take 14 days to build immunity. If your rabbit has not been vaccinated within the last 6 months it will not be fully protected. So book your rabbit in now to prevent it being part of the start of this outbreak. Only healthy rabbits should be vaccinated and the vaccine cannot be administered to pregnant animals.
Even if your rabbit is vaccinated, you must also take steps to prevent biting insects getting to them.
Regularly use a rabbit insecticide as recommended by your vet (e.g. Xenex ultra spot on is the only one that will repell flies, so it prevents tham sitting on or biting your rabbit).
Only buy good quality hay (free of insects).
Fit insect screens to outdoor hutches and runs.
Eliminate standing water from your garden (and preferably the neighbours' as well) where mosquitoes could breed.
Be especially careful if you have a dog or cat that hunts wild rabbits, as they could bring rabbit fleas home on their noses. It wouldn't hurt to treat them prophylactically anyway.
Make sure that rabbits living outdoors cannot make contact with wild rabbits or hares.
If your rabbit has any signs of Cheyletiella fur mites (e.g. dandruff on the back of the neck, take them to the vet for prompt treatment.
If you hear of a myxomatosis outbreak within your vicinity it would be wise to ensure your bunny has been vaccinated within previous 6 months.

If you have any concerns at all, please contact us on 01275 832410, or your usual branch surgery.