Managing myxomatosis!

Hazy days and freshly cut grass - the early signs of summer are a timely reminder for the nations two million rabbit owners to check their bunnies myxomatosis prevention plan is in place. Rabbits are now Britain’s third most popular pets, but only one in every 12 owner ensures their bunny is properly vaccinated against diseases such as myxomatosis.

Typically spread by biting insects, it’s more common in warmer weather, attacking both wild and domestic rabbits with varying degrees of severity. The classic signs of myxomatosis to watch for are swollen eyelids, lips and ears. Sadly, treatment of an infected rabbit that has not been vaccinated is usually futile and to avoid the immense suffering this dreadful disease causes most owners consider euthanasia the kindest outcome.

Rabbits living outside are most at risk from catching myxomatosis, this is due to their proximity to wild rabbits and flying, biting insects. But, house bunnies can also be infected, especially if you have a cat or dog that may bring fleas into the home.

There are a number of prevention controls that can be implemented, but the best protection owners can give their pet is via vaccination. All healthy, non-pregnant rabbits over the age of six weeks can be vaccinated by your local vet, with regular boosters given every six months or just before the start of the high risk period, late Summer and Autumn.

In addition to vaccination, insecticidal treatments, like shampoos and repellents, will control fleas, lessening the likelihood of bites. If you buy hay from a local farm make sure that they do not have a local myxomatosis problem in their wild rabbits, as fleas can live in hay for months. It’s also worth fitting an insect screen to an outside hutch to keep them safe from insects throughout the warmer months.

Judith Brown, Veterinary Executive at the Rabbit Welfare Association urges all rabbit owners to make sure their rabbits are vaccinated and boosters are kept up to date. “Every year we are inundated with reports of this devastating disease and sadly, many people are still unaware that there is a vaccine. The Rabbit Welfare Association strongly support vaccination to help prevent the distress and suffering that ensues once a rabbit contracts the full blown form of myxomatosis.”

To find out more about myxomatosis protection and regular health checks for your rabbit, please contact your local veterinary surgery.