Skip to content

Infecciosas

Myxomatosis

A serious viral disease of rabbits transmitted by biting insects. It causes characteristic lesions and is often fatal. It is prevented with a vaccine.

Veterinary emergency🐰 Rabbits Contagious

This may be a veterinary emergency

EMERGENCY: if a rabbit shows swelling of the eyelids and face or heavy ocular discharge, go to the vet. Prior vaccination is the best defence.

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Swelling of the eyelids, ears, face and genitals
  • • Ocular discharge, severe conjunctivitis
  • • Lumps on the skin
  • • Lethargy and fever
  • • Difficulty eating and breathing
  • • High mortality without vaccination

Causes

The myxoma virus, transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes, fleas and other insects. Also through direct contact. More cases occur in warm seasons (more insects).

Diagnosis

Clinical diagnosis based on the characteristic lesions.

Treatment

Intensive supportive care (the disease has no direct cure). The prognosis is poor in unvaccinated rabbits. Vaccinated rabbits that do fall ill develop milder forms.

Prevention

Annual VACCINATION (often combined with the RHD vaccine), insect control, mosquito nets, and avoiding contact with wild rabbits.

When should you see the vet?

EMERGENCY: if a rabbit shows swelling of the eyelids and face or heavy ocular discharge, go to the vet. Prior vaccination is the best defence.

Consult a vet24 h emergency vets nearby

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

Wallapets Sign in