Companion Animals

Rabbit Myxomatosis: Prevention and Welfare

Myxomatosis causes severe suffering and near-certain death in unvaccinated rabbits, with effective prevention available but adoption inconsistent.

Key Facts

Myxomatosis is spread by biting insects including fleas and mosquitoes and by direct contact
Clinical signs include severe facial swelling, genital lesions, and blindness before death
Vaccination provides effective protection but requires annual boosters
Wild rabbits in the UK experienced catastrophic population crashes from myxomatosis after its introduction in 1953

Welfare Considerations

Myxomatosis causes one of the most distressing disease courses in companion animals - prolonged suffering over days to weeks before death. Prevention through vaccination is straightforward, affordable, and highly effective. Failure to vaccinate is a preventable welfare failure.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate your rabbits annually against myxomatosis and RVHD
Use insect-proof hutch covers in summer to reduce vector exposure
Advocate for myxomatosis vaccination to be mentioned in all rabbit purchase guidance