| Last year the UK's wild
and pet rabbit populations were heavily challenged by an
apparent highly virulent strain of the Myxoma virus,
causing many deaths in the rabbit population due to
Myxomatosis. After infection most unvaccinated rabbits die of classic, acute Myxomatosis within 10 - 12 days of infection.
Rabbits can be protected from mosquitoes by using a net and possibly the addition of an insecticide strip (e.g. Vapona), as there are, unfortunately, no anti ectoparasitic drugs licensed for rabbits.
Vaccination against Myxo is recommended every 6 months where there is a high risk of Myxomatosis or annually elsewhere. Timing of vaccination to provide maximum immunity in late summer. |
The virus is
transmitted by a wide range of vectors, namely fleas,
mosquitoes and possibly mites. Protection against
Myxomatosis requires a combination of the control of
these vectors and regular vaccination.