From a report titled Myxomatosis in the Rabbit, 08/09/97, (http://vetmedicine.miningco.com/library/weekly/aa080997.htm) the veterinarian reported that At the first consultation last Thursday morning were two rabbits, Becky and Daisy.

He had seen them about a week previously when they both had what appeared to be a slight eye infection. At that point he treated the eyes with an antibiotic eye drop but warned the owner that the slight symptoms seen then could be the start of myxomatosis. The owner told him that the animals had missed their last two yearly vaccines. (Myxomatosis vaccines are allowed in the UK from where this article is sourced, but are NOT YET ALLOWED IN AUSTRALIA) In the South East of England at the time Becky and Daisy became ill, it was very warm so there were lots of mosquitoes about and there were quite a few cases of myxomatosis being seen by the vet.

Both the rabbits were in a bad way and were clearly suffering so with the owners permission the vet gently put them both " to sleep ". They both were showing classic signs of myxomatosis. This disease was first described in Montevideo in 1898, although it may have existed for a long time prior to that. In early 1953 it was introduced into France where it caused the death of vast numbers of domestic and wild rabbits. In October 1953 it appeared in the UK and has been endemic here ever since. This disease may have been introduced into the UK on purpose as means of controlling the wild rabbit population.

Daisy and Becky 7th August.

Cause: Myxomatosis is caused by a myxoma virus. It is spread by blood sucking insects such as the flea or the mosquito. Fleas are said to be the most common agent to spread the disease in wild rabbits and the mosquito is the most common agent in pet rabbits.

Clinical signs: Symptoms start to appear between one and three weeks following the virus being introduced into the rabbits body via an insect bite. The first sign seen is that the eyelids start to swell, eventually closing over the eye. Swelling may occur in other parts of the body particularly the base of the ears and the genitalia. There is often an eye discharge and there may be a nasal discharge. Affected rabbits often develop fast and laboured breathing as the disease develops, death usually occurs in almost all cases within about two weeks.

Diagnosis: This is by the clinical signs, the vaccination status of the animal. The time of year may be an indicator as we see outbreaks here in the summer when the mosquitoes are active.

Treatment: There is no treatment to attack the virus directly and it is probably best to put affected rabbits " to sleep " when the clinical signs appear. A small percentage of cases may only develop slight clinical signs and it may be worth persevering with supportive treatment such as fluids and antibiotics. Having said that we have never had any success in treating this disease here at our clinic.

Prevention: There is an effective vaccine available in the UK and Europe. In the summer months it may be advisable to put a mesh over the windows of the rabbit's hutch to prevent mosquitoes reaching the rabbit.

Discussion: Daisy and Becky would have certainly survived had they been vaccinated. To introduce a disease like this on purpose is clearly morally wrong. If an animal population has to controlled it should be done humanely and quickly. In the wild these animals suffer a long lingering death.

End

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