Wildlife

Wild Rabbit Welfare and Myxomatosis

Wild rabbits face diseases, predation, and habitat loss. Myxomatosis and RVHD cause mass mortality in European rabbit populations.

Key Facts

European rabbits are a keystone species supporting many predators
Myxomatosis kills up to 99% of naive populations
Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RVHD) variants spread rapidly
Rabbit numbers in the UK have declined by over 60% since the 1950s
Warrens are complex social structures with dominant hierarchies

Welfare Considerations

Wild rabbits suffer acutely from viral diseases. Myxomatosis causes blindness, swelling, and prolonged death over 10-14 days. Vaccination of wild populations is not feasible, but domestic rabbits can be vaccinated. Predator-caused mortality is rapid, but disease mortality is prolonged and painful.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate pet rabbits against myxomatosis and RVHD
Support rabbit-friendly farming that maintains hedgerows and field margins
Report suspected disease outbreaks to local wildlife trusts
Avoid releasing domestic rabbits into the wild
Support research into humane population management approaches