Myxomatosis in Rabbits: Symptoms, Prevention, and Vaccination

Myxomatosis is a severe viral disease of rabbits with a mortality rate exceeding 95% in unvaccinated animals. There is no cure — prevention through vaccination is the only effective protection.

## What Is Myxomatosis?

Myxomatosis is caused by the Myxoma virus, a poxvirus originally from South American rabbits that was deliberately introduced to control wild European rabbit populations in the 1950s. Wild rabbits in affected countries have developed some genetic resistance; domestic rabbits have none.

## How Is It Transmitted?

- Biting insects — fleas, mosquitoes, biting flies, and mites are the main vectors. The virus survives in the insect for weeks.
- Direct contact with an infected rabbit
- Indirect contact — via hutch materials, clothing, or hands that have been in contact with infected rabbits

Indoor rabbits are not fully safe — fleas and mosquitoes enter homes. Any rabbit with outdoor access is at high risk.

## Symptoms

Classic Form (most common):
- Puffy, fluid-filled swellings around the eyes, nose, ears, and genitals
- Eyes become severely swollen and discharge, often causing temporary or permanent blindness
- Skin nodules develop across the body
- Lethargy, loss of appetite, high fever
- Death within 10–14 days in most cases

Peracute (Acute) Form:
- No classic skin signs
- Rapid onset of fever, lethargy, and respiratory distress
- Death within 48–72 hours — often before the owner realises anything is seriously wrong

## Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment. Supportive care (fluids, antibiotics for secondary infections, anti-inflammatories, syringe feeding) may help mild cases survive, but most unvaccinated rabbits with classic myxomatosis die despite treatment.

## Vaccination

Vaccination is the only reliable protection. In the UK and much of Europe, combination vaccines (Nobivac Myxo-RHD Plus) protect against both myxomatosis and RHDV2 simultaneously with a single annual injection.

First vaccination: From 5 weeks of age.
Booster: Every 12 months — critical to maintain protection.

Set a vaccination reminder in Flovvi. Missing an annual booster can leave a previously vaccinated rabbit fully susceptible again.