Wildlife

Wild Rabbit Myxomatosis Management

Myxomatosis is a viral disease introduced to control wild rabbit populations that causes prolonged suffering and remains a significant welfare concern.

Key Facts

Myxomatosis was deliberately introduced to Europe and Australia in the 1950s
Death typically takes 10-14 days and involves severe swelling and blindness
Vaccination is available for domestic rabbits but not for wild populations
Some wild rabbits have developed partial genetic resistance over decades
Illegal use of myxoma virus as a control agent still occurs in some areas

Welfare Considerations

Few diseases cause as much prolonged suffering as myxomatosis. Affected rabbits become blind, unable to feed, and remain alive for one to two weeks in a state of severe distress. Wildlife rehabilitators frequently face decisions about humane euthanasia of infected animals. The disease raises profound questions about the ethics of using biological agents to control wildlife populations, particularly when the suffering imposed is so severe and extended.

What You Can Do

Humanely dispatch visibly suffering myxomatotic rabbits you encounter
Report suspected illegal release of the virus to wildlife authorities
Vaccinate domestic rabbits against myxomatosis annually
Support research into humane rabbit population management alternatives