Myxomatosis is a devastating viral disease of wild rabbits that causes severe suffering and death, with important welfare implications for both wild populations and domestic rabbits.
A myxomatosis-infected rabbit represents one of the most extreme welfare crises a person is likely to encounter in the wild. The disease causes progressive suffering over one to two weeks - swelling that seals the eyes shut, respiratory distress, and a slow painful death. Finding a wild rabbit with early myxomatosis symptoms puts an observer in a difficult position. The most humane action is typically contacting a wildlife rescue or vet who can assess whether the animal should be euthanized. For domestic rabbit owners, vaccination is straightforward and prevents this suffering entirely. The disease's deliberate introduction for population control remains one of the most ethically contested decisions in pest management history.