Wild rabbit populations in the UK and Europe are devastated by myxomatosis and rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease, causing mass mortality events with significant wildlife welfare implications.
Wild rabbit disease represents one of the most significant ongoing welfare events in European wildlife, yet receives little public attention compared to more charismatic species. Myxomatosis causes a prolonged, distressing death over one to two weeks in affected animals — the swelling, blindness, and respiratory distress represent significant suffering before death. RVHD, while causing more rapid death, appears in waves that can decimate local populations. The deliberate introduction of myxomatosis for population control represents an early and stark example of wildlife population management prioritising human interests over the welfare of the animals managed. While vaccination of wild rabbits is not feasible at scale, reducing other stressors — including road traffic and predation pressure — can support population resilience.