Myxomatosis is a devastating viral disease of rabbits causing extreme suffering, with vaccination being the most important welfare protection available to rabbit owners in affected countries.
Myxomatosis causes horrific suffering. Affected rabbits develop progressive swellings around the eyes and face that cause complete blindness, severe pain, and inability to eat or drink. The disease course typically lasts 1-2 weeks of increasing distress before death. Witnessing a rabbit dying from myxomatosis is deeply distressing for owners. In countries where vaccination is available, this suffering is entirely preventable. The decision not to vaccinate an at-risk rabbit represents a failure of care that condemns the animal to potential profound suffering.