Myxomatosis and Haemorrhagic Viral Disease are two serious infective diseases which affect pet rabbits, almost always resulting in death.

Myxomatosis

Myxomatosis is a disease caused by a viruswhich is spread by blood sucking insects, such as fleas and mosquitoes. It only affects rabbits, but both wild rabbits and pet rabbits are susceptible. Wild rabbits suffering from this condition usually fall victim to predators, eg foxes, or are hit by cars. Pet rabbits can sometimes recover from the condition with very intensive nursing, but most are euthanased.

Once transmitted to the rabbit, it may affect its victim in three different ways.

1.      The eyelids start to swell, then firm masses appear on the nose, lips and ears, and often in the genital region as well. These masses are tumours ('myxomas'), and are not painful in themselves, but as the eyelids and lips swell, the rabbit becomes blind and is no longer able to feed. Death can occur in as little as 12 days.

2.      A severe respiratory disease.

3.      A milder form, where small lumps appear all over the rabbit, then disappear over the course of 2-3 weeks.

How can myxomatosis be controlled?

1. Control of insect parasites
2. Use of vaccines

Control of Insect Parasites

Advantage® Spot-on flea control:

• Breaks the flea cycle - kills fleas so fast they don't have time to lay eggs and prevents the development of the next generation
• kills fleas by contact so they do not have to bite

The problem with fleas.

• Possible transmission of myxomatosis
• Irritation and discomfort for the pet
• Irritated, broken skin becomes infected
• Rabbits act as hosts for the cat flea

Vaccination

• A single vaccine given to rabbits over six weeks of age (not if pregnant).
• Booster vaccination every six months

There have been a small number of cases reported of rabbits vaccinated against myxomatosis contracting the disease. These rabbits exhibited symptoms of a very mild form of the disease and all recovered. In these cases, the vaccine may have protected them from the severe form of the disease.

Should all rabbits be vaccinated?

Yes - even rabbits that live indoors. Remember that although the main carrier of the virus is the rabbit flea, other insects such as flies and mosquitoes can carry it. Cats may carry the rabbit flea, and flies get everywhere!

Viral Haemorrhagic Disease

Viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD or HVD) is a horrible viral condition that only affects rabbits. It is caused by a highly contagious virus that is transmitted from rabbit to rabbit, or on contaminated equipment, clothing and feed. Insects, rodents and birds may also be able to carry the virus and infect isolated rabbits (such as pet rabbits).

VHD is nearly always fatal - it causes massive bleeding (haemorrhage) from the internal organs and the animals die as a result of the overwhelming blood loss - often in as little as 2 days.

Vaccination

The first dose can be given from 2½ - 3 months of age. In the event of an outbreak, first dose given at 6 weeks of age, repeated at 10 weeks will provide full protection for the first year.

• Safe, even in pregnant rabbits
• Booster vaccination once a year with health check. 

It is not recommended that vaccinations for VHD and myxomatosis are given at the same time. An interval of at least 2 wshould be allowed between the injections.