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Myxomatosis
A severe disease caused by a pox-group virus, spread mainly by mosquitoes and fleas in summer and autumn. The eyelids, head, ears and genitals swell, and death rates are very high in unvaccinated rabbits. There is no specific cure, so vaccination and protection from insects are the main defences.
When to call a vet
See a vet
A vet chooses the treatment — don’t give medicines yourself. Until then, give first aid.
Call a vet or the district veterinary station the same day; they confirm the diagnosis and decide next steps
Symptoms
- Swollen eyelids, pus from the eyes, eyes closing shut
- Swellings on the head, ear bases, lips, nose, genitals and around the anus
- A "lion head" look — the head swells and the ears droop
- Hard lumps on the ears and nose (nodular form)
- Fever, weakness, refusing food and noisy breathing
What to do
- 1 Move the suspect rabbit at once away from the others, into a mosquito-proof space
- Call a vet or the district veterinary station the same day; they confirm the diagnosis and decide next steps
- 3 Clean and disinfect the rabbitry and treat it against insects
- 4 Check the other rabbits every day and tell the vet about any rabbit with swollen eyelids
What not to do
- Do not try to treat with injections or medicines yourself, and do not sell or give away sick rabbits
When it strikes
Insect season — roughly May to September in Uzbekistan's climate, when mosquitoes and fleas are active; unvaccinated rabbits of any age are at risk, and young ones die fastest.
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Prevention
- Vaccinate against myxomatosis as your vet advises and keep up with boosters
- Put mosquito netting over windows and openings, especially in summer and autumn
- Remove standing water and open manure heaps nearby, where mosquitoes breed
- Quarantine new rabbits and check them for fleas
Causes
- The myxoma virus
- Mosquitoes, fleas, biting flies and mites carry the virus from sick rabbits to healthy ones
- Direct contact with sick rabbits and contaminated cages, feed and equipment
- Living close to places where wild rabbits or hares live