Rabbit Owners: Take Care!!!

Myxomatosis Outbreak

There is currently a myxomatosis outbreak around our area. In the last 7 days I have seen approximately 10 pet rabbits with this disease. Myxomatosis is a caused by a virus that infects rabbits only. It is used for control of the feral rabbit population but can also affect pet rabbits. Infection is almost always fatal, and there is no vaccination available in Australia.

Infected rabbits developing swelling in the skin surrounding the eyes, on the ears and on the genitals. Eventually they will become inappetant & die.

How can I protect my rabbit?

Myxomatosis is spread by biting insects such as mosquitos and fleas. Mosquitoes are the usual vector that spreads the virus. They will travel long distances (sometimes many kilometres). To protect your rabbit you need to try and keep them away from mosquitoes. Here are some tips:

• Keep them indoors.
• Cover their hutch or outdoor run in flyscreen.
• Use insect repellants around their enclosure.
• Use a insect repellant that is safe for rabbits. There are no registered products so my recommendation is to check with your own vet whether there is anything they can recommend to use on rabbits.
• Don't leave any pools of water around the house such as under pot plants as they will allow mosquitoes to breed.

Other Vaccinations

While there is no vaccination for myxomatosis, there is one for calicivirus which has a similar prognosis. All rabbits should be vaccinated yearly for calicivirus.