Myxomatosis – a man-made tragedy

When domesticated rabbits escaped into the Australian outback earlier in the last century they thrived to the point where their numbers were completely out of control. In what can only be described as one of man’s less humane creations, the problem was dealt with severely by developing a new strain of virus with devastating results. The virus spread worldwide and has become endemic (passed on from generation to generation) in many countries including the UK.

The virus is related to (but not the same as) the unpleasant pox viruses that include human small pox, it attacks the lining of the eyes, airways and genitals and like its merciless cousins causes a very severe and unpleasant condition that is invariably fatal.

The real danger to pet rabbits is the method of spread. It readily passes from rabbit to rabbit but is also carried by rabbit fleas and mosquitoes after they have taken a blood meal from an infected wild rabbit. It is the mosquitoes that can readily take the virus into gardens and hutches and is likely to be the main cause of infection seen in domestic rabbits. Infected rabbit fleas have also been known to hitch a ride on the family pet dog out for a walk in the country side and then ‘jump ship’ once at home thus transferring the deadly virus to the resident pet rabbit.

Nearly all the cases of myxomatosis we see in pet rabbits occur in the Autumn, perhaps because both the wild rabbit and mosquito populations are at their peak.

Fortunately there is an effective vaccine against the disease which is given annually and it cannot be recommended too strongly – if you have an unprotected pet rabbit please do contact your veterinary surgeon – now!

James Elliott BVetMed. CertVR, MRCVS Principal Vet