Myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease are serious viral diseases affecting both wild and domestic rabbits. Vaccination significantly reduces suffering in pet rabbits.
Myxomatosis and RHD cause acute suffering - myxomatosis is particularly distressing due to its prolonged course with swelling, blindness, and breathing difficulty before death. RHD2 may cause peracute death with minimal clinical signs, making it a somewhat less prolonged welfare event though often terrifying to witness. Vaccination is the most important welfare investment a rabbit owner can make. Even indoor rabbits require vaccination as mosquitoes can carry myxomatosis indoors.