Wild Rabbit Welfare and Population Management

Wild rabbits are widespread in the UK and face welfare challenges from myxomatosis, RVHD, predation, and population management practices.

Key Facts

An estimated 40 million wild rabbits live in the UK
Myxomatosis has caused dramatic population cycles since its introduction in the 1950s
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RVHD) is a more recent disease causing rapid death
Snaring and shooting are the primary population management methods
Rabbits are an important prey species for many predators including buzzards and stoats

Welfare Considerations

Wild rabbits face welfare challenges including myxomatosis, which causes prolonged suffering through blindness, respiratory distress, and eventual death over several weeks. RVHD causes rapid death but is preceded by neurological signs. Population management through snaring raises welfare concerns previously discussed. Rabbits play important ecosystem roles as prey and as grazers that maintain short grass habitats. Their welfare is complex, involving both disease management and population regulation.

What You Can Do

Report rabbits showing obvious signs of myxomatosis to wildlife rehabilitation centres
Support humane rabbit management approaches in areas where populations cause damage
Advocate for mandatory humane killing standards in rabbit population management
Learn to recognise myxomatosis and RVHD to help identify and report sick animals
Support research into wildlife disease management for rabbit populations