After treating four cases of myxomatosis, a Bristol, UK veterinary practice is urging rabbit owners to get their pets vaccinated against the illness. If unvaccinated, rabbits who contract the disease suffer immensely. Symptoms include runny eyes, which leads to conjunctivitis and blindness. Swelling and lumps also appear on the body. Most unvaccinated rabbits who contract the disease will perish.
Pet rabbits kept outdoors are more susceptible to the disease as they have a greater chance of coming in contact with wild rabbits/hares or insects such as fleas, mosquitos and mites carrying the disease.
For more info: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/bristol/somerset/7115026.stm
Is it still worth vaccinating a rabbit now (i.e. cold winter time) ? Surely there would not be many insects or am I missing the point? The rabbit was vaccinated just over a year ago now…
I see your point, but I think you should still get your rabbit vaccinated because the article was written today. So the vets still think it’s necessary even though it’s close to winter. Plus, rabbits can get the disease from other rabbits, not just from insects.
True, at the end of the day I dont want to risk my rabbit’s health! Thanks – great article.