Myxomatosis remains the most important disease of rabbits. It is invariably fatal, and is not infrequently contracted by pet rabbits coming into contact with wild rabbits when they intrude into gardens. Rabbit fleas can spread the disease as well as mosquitoes.

The symptoms include swelling of the eyes and severe conjunctivitis resulting in blindness. Death occurs 11 to 18 days after the onset of clinical signs.

A vaccine against this terrible disease has been available for some time. Rabbits can be immunised from six weeks of age. Only one injection is required followed by an annual booster (in high risk areas a 6 monthly booster is recommended). Use a good anti flea product – you will need to consult your vet about this as not all dog or cat products are safe to use on rabbits.

RABBIT HAEMORRHAGIC DISEASE

What is Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (R.H.D.)

It is a fatal viral disease affecting rabbits, first reported in the United Kingdom in 1992. There have been widespread outbreaks in many counties including Staffordshire. The signs of this disease range for loss of appetite to sudden death. Numerous clots in the small blood vessels of the lungs cause death. In some forms there may be diarrhoea and the rabbit may become ‘wobbly’. 50% of the rabbits that have been affected by the disease have died.

How is R.H.D. spread? The virus is in the saliva and nasal secretions of affected rabbits, spread by either direct contact or inadvertently transported on people, clothing, birds and other animals.

How can you protect your rabbit against R.H.D.?

A vaccine has recently become available to protect pet rabbits against this potentially fatal disease. Only one injection is required followed by an annual booster. This vaccine is NOT usually given at the same time as Myxomatosis vaccination.

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