How to Prevent Myxomatosis in Rabbits

Myxomatosis is a viral disease of rabbits that is widespread throughout the UK. While vaccination can primarily prevent it, many pet rabbits are not routinely vaccinated. Sadly, this disease is highly infectious and rapidly fatal.

The mortality rate for infected bunnies who have not been vaccinated is greater than 95%, and there is no cure. Wherever possible, the aim is to prevent rabbits from contracting Myxomatosis. Read on to learn about how you can keep your pet rabbit safe.

What is Myxomatosis?

Myxomatosis is caused by a Pox virus called Myxoma, with several strains. It is rampant among the wild rabbit (and sometimes hare) population in the UK.

A recent study published on PubMed Central (PMC) looked into the genetics behind many of these wild rabbits' resistance to the virus.

Over time, its virulence has shifted, with weaker strains allowing the disease to continue spreading. It affects the skin, eyes, genitals, liver, and lungs and will usually kill a pet rabbit within 1-2 weeks.

The Importance of Myxomatosis Prevention

As there is no cure for this condition and the mortality rate is so high, the aim is to prevent a rabbit from getting infected in the first place.

Without proper prevention, pet rabbits are at significant risk of contracting this deadly disease. Even indoor rabbits are vulnerable, making it essential for all bunny owners to be well-informed about Myxomatosis.

Understanding Myxomatosis in Rabbits

Learning about the disease in depth makes sense to help us determine how to prevent it best. This way, we can fight it at its source.

Causes and Transmission

Myxomatosis is highly transmissible and can be spread in a number of ways.

Viral Origins

The natural host of this virus is the Sylvilagus rabbit species, and it is well tolerated in these rabbits, causing no or few signs. However, the European rabbit is highly susceptible and has no immunity.

Sadly, this virus was deliberately released in Europe and Australia to control the wild rabbit population. Inevitably, pet bunnies were affected, too.

Transmission Methods

The most common transmission mode is through biting insects, including mosquitoes and fleas. These vectors carry the disease from one rabbit to another. No rabbit is safe because these tiny insects can quickly fly into homes.

Myxomatosis can also spread directly from one rabbit to another via fomites such as water bowls, bedding, or human hands.

Symptoms of Myxomatosis

This infection causes a range of symptoms that progress rapidly and make a rabbit very ill very quickly.

Early Signs

The first signs usually include puffiness around the eyes and genitals, a fever, mild lethargy, and a decreased appetite. As a prey species, rabbits are good at hiding signs of being unwell so that many owners will miss the earlier stages.

If you’ve noticed any concerning signs in your bunny, it is best to contact an emergency vet for assessment.

Advanced Symptoms

As Myxomatosis takes hold, we will start to see more signs, including:

• Eye and genital ulcers
• Nasal discharge
• Conjunctivitis
• Rapid and laboured breathing
• A milky eye discharge and blindness

Chronic Form

It is worth mentioning that there is also a chronic form of this disease, which presents with much milder symptoms.

This can include conjunctivitis, skin nodules, and scabs. These scabs tend to fall off, and many rabbits recover without intervention. However, those rabbits that survive will remain carriers of the disease.

Preventive Measures of Myxomatosis

Owners should do what they can to ensure their rabbit does not contract this viral infection.

Vaccination

The most effective means of prevention is regular vaccination. The vaccine is highly effective and can be given from 5 weeks of age. Prior to this, young rabbits should be protected by the antibodies they get from their mother’s milk.

Remember that this is an annual vaccine, which must be repeated every year to ensure your rabbit maintains adequate immunity. In the UK, this is generally a live recombinant attenuated myxoma virus vectored RHDV1 vaccine manufactured by Nobviac.

This means protection is provided against Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) too.

Environmental Control

Insect control is key, as these are the main vectors of the disease. While you’ll never be able to eliminate all biting insects, there are steps you can take to reduce their number drastically.

You can use rabbit safe flea and mite prevention, which your vet can prescribe for you. Mosquito nets can be used around their hutch and run. In addition, try to ensure no stagnant water is on your property, such as in bird baths or troughs.

Managing Wild Populations

The wild rabbit population is the reservoir of this nasty disease. You want to ensure your rabbits have no direct contact with these wild rabbits, which means using fences and pens.

Remember that this is a burrowing animal, so fences and mesh also need to go down into the ground, at least 30 cm.

To further reduce the likelihood that wild rabbits will come onto your property, ensure no food or water is left out for them to access. You can also remove things like log piles, where they may choose to make a home.

Quarantine Practices

Before introducing a new bunny, keep it completely separate from your pet rabbits for 2-3 weeks. This way, if it is incubating a disease like Myxomatosis, it will show signs before it can spread the virus.

When a rabbit is in quarantine, be aware that any diseases they are carrying could spread via items (like bowls or toys) or your shoes, clothes, or hands. So, practice excellent hygiene and ensure they have all of their supplies.

Assess your new rabbit(s) regularly during quarantine for any signs of disease. A vet check before introducing them to your colony is also a good idea.

Nutrition and Health Maintenance

Keeping your rabbit in good overall health has lots of positive knock-on effects.

Balanced Diet

A healthy, well-balanced diet can support your rabbit and their immune system, making them more able to fight off infection. This means plenty of fresh grass, hay, fruit, and veggies, like leafy greens, dandelions, bell peppers, and berries.

If offering pellets, limit the amount to 1 TBSP once daily (or twice daily if they weigh more than 3.5kg).

Regular Health Check-ups

Rabbits are masters at hiding the signs of illness, so always have them checked over if you feel they are acting differently.

They should be seen at least once a year for their annual health check and vaccinations.

Stress Reduction

Where possible, limit stress. This prey animal copes very poorly with being stressed, and it can lead to immune suppression, a reduced appetite, gastric ulcers, and a susceptibility to infections.

Ensure they have a home where they feel safe, away from predators. They should have hiding spots and plenty of space to exercise and graze.

Importantly, these are social animals that should never be kept alone. They need at least one other rabbit to live alongside.

Get More Advice on Myxomatosis

If you have any further questions about Myxomatosis or your rabbits’ health, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you and encourage regular rabbit health checks.