Myxomatosis in rabbits

Myxomatosis – a deadly disease that kills numerous pet and wild rabbits every year – is commonly spread by rabbit fleas, some biting insects, or direct contact with infected rabbits and their bodily fluids. As both indoor and outdoor rabbits are at risk, it’s crucial to know how to prevent fleas and to treat your rabbit for fleas in high risk areas. Swellings on their eyelids, ears, lips, and/or genitals are symptoms of full-blown myxomatosis, which is usually fatal for unvaccinated rabbits. Lumps on their eyelids, nose, head, and/or shoulders are symptoms of the skin form of myxomatosis – the less deadly counterpart. Rabbits can receive vaccinations from 5 weeks of age – usually Nobivac, a combined vaccination for myxomatosis and RVHD1. Your vet should then advise you what booster vaccinations your rabbit will need and when.

RVHD1 in rabbits

RVHD1 – Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease 1 – is an infectious rabbit disease that causes internal bleeding and is usually fatal. A common symptom of RVHD1 is bleeding from the nose, eyes, and/or anus, but this can be difficult to spot without daily checks. Due to this, rabbits that contract RVHD1 usually die within a few days. RVHD1 can be spread by contact with an infected rabbit, bird and/or insect droppings, the wind, shoes and/or feet, or human hands and/or clothes. It’s crucial that your bunny be vaccinated against this virus, alongside other preventative measures such as flystrike in rabbits. If your bunny hasn’t had their original jabs or booster jabs, a trip to the vet is definitely in order.

RVHD2 in rabbits

RVHD2 – Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease 2 – is a new strain of RVHD1 that was first reported in the UK in 2015. Alike the original strain of the virus, it causes internal bleeding in rabbits. The way that RVHD2 is spread is also alike its original counterpart. Visibility of symptoms, however, is where the two viruses differ. Although symptoms of both can be difficult to spot, symptoms of RVHD2 can easily be confused with rabbit fever, lethargy, and blood clotting problems. Rabbits with RVHD2 can be extremely infectious for longer periods of time, making it an incredibly dangerous rabbit disease – and making vaccinations essential.

Our articles are not a replacement for face-to-face vet advice. It’s important to consult with your vet on a regular basis to raise any pet concerns that you may have.