Myxomatosis is a devastating viral disease affecting domestic and wild rabbits, causing prolonged suffering without treatment. Vaccination and biosecurity are essential for pet rabbits.
Myxomatosis causes one of the most prolonged and distressing courses of disease of any rabbit condition. Affected rabbits develop grossly swollen eyelids that leave them effectively blind, combined with severe respiratory distress, secondary infections, and systemic illness over a period of one to two weeks before death in most unvaccinated animals. The welfare case for universal vaccination of pet rabbits in endemic areas is compelling. Outdoor rabbits face particularly high risk through insect vector exposure, and even indoor rabbits can be bitten by mosquitoes. Regular vaccination combined with insect-proof housing, fly screens, and insecticidal treatments significantly reduces exposure risk. Prompt euthanasia on welfare grounds is appropriate for severely affected unvaccinated rabbits where recovery is unlikely.