Myxomatosis
Myxomatosis is a disease affecting rabbits caused by the poxvirus, Myxoma virus. Myxomatosis causes a severe disease in both wild and domestic rabbits which, in most cases, leads to death.
Myxomatosis is spread by vectors such as mosquitoes, fleas, flies and other biting insects and arachnids, but particularly rabbit fleas. It may also be passed through close contact with an infected rabbit or indirectly passed through contaminated food bowls or water bottles etc. Cases of myxomatosis are more common in late summer through early winter due to higher levels of insect activity.
In Ireland, myxomatosis is said to be enzootically unstable, meaning that there are periods of low disease levels due to high levels of immunity in the wild rabbit population followed by periods of high disease levels as the immunity in the population decreases.
Common clinical signs in rabbits include:
- Swollen eyes and genitalia
- White discharge from the eyes
- High temperature
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Acute haemorrhagic pneumonia
- Sudden death
Most cases of myxomatosis are severe and lead to death within a few days due to direct effects of the virus or, within a couple of weeks due to secondary bacterial infections or the inability to feed. In pet rabbits, while relatively mild infections may be treated successfully with appropriate supportive care, in most cases, euthanasia in considered the most humane option.
While most myxomatosis cases in rabbits cannot be successfully treated, effective vaccines to prevent infection are available. It is important to note that even indoor pet rabbits can be infected with myxomatosis due to transmission through, for example, fleas or flying insects. Please talk to your local private veterinary practitioner about annual vaccination for myxomatosis in your pet rabbits in conjunction with prevention methods such as flea control and reducing or preventing insect exposure.