Myxomatosis Information - 29/08/2007
WE HAVE HAD REPORTED CASES OF MYXOMATOSIS AFFECTING WILD AND DOMESTIC RABBITS ALL OVER BERKSHIRE, HAMPSHIRE, OXFORDSHIRE, SURREY AND BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.
WHAT IS MYXOMATOSIS?
Myxomatosis is a severe virus (The Myxoma Virus)that wiped out around 95% of the total population of wild rabbits in the UK, when it arrived in Britain 50 years ago. The disease was first observed as a mild illness causing swellings in the "cotton tail" rabbit (not native to europe). However, in the european rabbit, the effects are both deadly and devastating. It was deliberately introduced in europe by land owners wishing to control wild rabbits eating their crops and soon found its way to the UK. Since the 50's numbers in the wild population have slightly recovered. However, year on year, the disease continues to ravage wild rabbit colonies. What many people are not aware of is that domestic pet rabbits are also susceptible to the disease and huge numbers of deaths in pets are reported every year.
The number and severity of outbreaks varies over time: the myxomatosis virus is notorious for its ability to mutate from year to year and the background immunity developed by some of the wild rabbit population also varies. For example, in autumn 2000, southern areas of the UK (the south west, Hampshire, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire) experienced a severe outbreak of myxomatosis, thought to have been caused by a particularly virulent strain of the myxomatosis virus. This year, we have seen a HUGE rise in cases and the strain of myxomatosis appears to be very aggressive.
WHY IS THE OUTBREAK SO BAD THIS YEAR?
Largely because the virus is spread by biting insects such as mosquitos. Because we have had a very wet summer with flooding and the large areas of standing water that these insects use to breed on, we have seen an increase in the numbers of insects around to spread the disease. The warm, wet weather is also ideal conditions for the virus to multiply.
ARE MY RABBITS AT RISK?
The short answer is yes. Myxomatosis poses a threat to all pet rabbits but the risk varies depending on where you live and the time of year. This year, the threat is nationwide.
HOW IS IT SPREAD?
Myxi is usually spread by biting insects (fleas, mosquitoes, midges and possibly skin mites) carrying the Myxoma virus. However, direct rabbit-to-rabbit spread can occur. Previously, this was mainly seen in a French respiratory strain of the disease, but reports from the Autumn 2000 UK outbreak suggest that rabbit-to-rabbit transmission may now occur the UK.
Pet rabbits could contract myxomatosis in a variety of ways:
Bites from mosquitoes/midges carrying the Myxoma virus.
Bites from fleas carrying the Myxoma virus.
Myxomatosis can also be spread from rabbit to rabbit by Cheyletiella fur mites
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A RABBIT CATCHES MYXOMATOSIS?
The classic form of myxomatosis is seen in rabbits that havent been vaccinated. It is a dreadful disease that causes immense suffering: affected rabbits can take a fortnight to die and treatment is usually futile, which is why euthanasia is usually recommended.
Classic myxomatosis starts with runny eyes and in the very early stages can be confused with other causes of conjunctivitis. However, myxomatosis differs as the genitals are also swollen. It rapidly progresses to a severe conjunctivitis which causes blindness and is accompanied by lumpy (nodular) swellings on the head, plus lumps on the body. Excessive amounts of thick pus discharges from the nose and swollen eyes (which are often sealed shut). There are also two atypical forms of myxomatosis: one causes pneumonia and a snuffles-like illness; the other ("Nodular myxomatosis") mainly affects skin and carries a better prognosis.
WHAT ABOUT VACCINATION?
Domestic rabbits do not have any genetically based immunity against myxomatosis. If an unvaccinated pet rabbit catches myxomatosis, it will almost certainly die. Vaccination is a vital part of a package of measures you can take to protect your rabbit and we urge all rabbit owners to make sure their rabbit is vaccinated and boosters are kept up to date.
The vaccination is not expensive (around £15-£20) and is stocked at all good vets. You will need to ensure your rabbit remains fully covered by the vaccine with 6-12 monthly boosters as recommended for your area by your vet.
Healthy rabbits from the age of 6 weeks can be vaccinated, however, please note that at that age, the rabbit is NOT old enough to be apart from its mother. The mother and the entire litter will need to be vaccinated together.
DOES THE VACCINE ACTUALLY GIVE THE RABBIT A SMALL DOSE OF MYXOMATOSIS?
No. The myxomatosis vaccine in Britain (Nobivac Myxo produced by drug company Intervet) is made from a harmless virus called Shope Fibroma. Antibodies made in response to Shope Fibroma Virus also protect against myxomatosis - this is called cross immunity. Different vaccines (including live attenuated myxomatosis virus) are used elsewhere in Europe, but tend to have more side effects and there are concerns that they are not safe enough for use in pet rabbits.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I LIVE IN A HIGH RISK AREA?
"High risk" areas typically include:
Anywhere near standing water or a with large mosquito population
Areas affected by outbreaks of myxomatosis in wild or domestic rabbits.
AT PRESENT, THE WHOLE OF THE UK IS A HIGH RISK AREA.
MY RABBIT IS VACCINATED SO, THEY WILL BE OK?
Even if your rabbit is vaccinated, you must also take steps to prevent biting insects getting to your rabbit.
Try to buy hay from farms free of myxomatosis (you can buy high quality hay which supports the rescue from the "hay for good causes" section of www.thehayexperts.com)
Fit insect screens, or even just pin a net curtain, to outdoor hutches and runs
Eliminate standing water from your garden (and preferably from any neighbouring gardens as well!) where mosquitoes could breed.
Be especially careful if you have a dog or cat that hunts in the local area, as they could bring rabbit fleas from an infected wild rabbit home!
Make sure that rabbits living outdoors cannot make contact with wild rabbits or hares.
If your rabbit has any signs of Cheyletiella fur mites (e.g. dandruff on the back of the neck, take him to the vet for prompt treatment.
WHAT IF I SEE A WILD RABBIT WITH MYXOMATOSIS?
If you can approach the rabbit and it will allow you to handle it, its likely to be extremely ill. The kindest thing may well be to take it to a local veterinary centre for euthansia to prevent further suffering. A rabbit in the very early stages of the illness can be taken to a wildlife hospital for pallative care. PLEASE DO NOT BRING INFECTED RABBITS TO THE RESCUE CENTRE, WE DO NOT ACCEPT WILD RABBITS FOR CARE, ONLY DOMESTIC PET RABBITS. THE RESCUE IS CURRENTLY FULL TO CAPACITY.
WHO DO I REPORT NEW CASES TO?
Intervet (the vaccine manufacturer) need to know about any cases where rabbits develop myxi. They are extremely approachable and willing to help with any queries about their product. Your vet should liase with them to ensure they are fully briefed about the nature and severity of disease suffered by the affected animal. You can read more about the current outbreak on intervets website here: http://www.intervet.co.uk/news/2007-04-04_-_myxomatosis_outbreak_threatens_rabbits.asp
CAN RABBITS WITH MYXOMATOSIS BE TREATED?
If an unvaccinated rabbit catches myxomatosis and develops the full-blown classic form of the disease, survival is very unusual, even with intensive nursing and treatment with antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infection. Most affected pets in this situation are put to sleep as soon as the diagnosis is made, to prevent futile suffering. In some cases, where the strain of the illness is not severe, the rabbit will sometimes pull through with very intensive care. However, they are likely to suffer after effects such as scarring of the eyes, face and lungs.
Rabbits being treated for myxomatosis need:
Careful and experienced nursing care in a warm environment (21-22 degrees centigrade)
Regular bathing of sticky eyes and genitalia
Fluid therapy - subcutaneous, intra-peritoneal or intravenous fluids may be used
Tempting food and syringe or tube feeding if necessary as well as medication to prevent the onset of secondary gut stasis
Antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infection
If you know anyone with a pet rabbit, please do tell them about the importance of vaccination against myxomatosis, as well as insect proofing measures.
CAN PEOPLE OR OTHER PETS CATCH MYXOMATOSIS?
No, only rabbits can catch myxomatosis.
HOW CAN I HELP THE RESCUE?
If you would like to make a donation to Green Fields Rescue to assist us with our programme of education and the rehabiliation of the rabbits at the rescue, please send a cheque, payable to "Green Fields Rescue" and post it to the address shown above. Thankyou very much.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL THE RABBITS AT OUR RESCUE ARE VACCINATED AND WE DO NOT HAVE ANY RABBITS WHO ARE CURRENTLY SUFFERING FROM MYXOMATOSIS. PLEASE HELP US MAINTAIN INFECTION CONTROL AND DO NOT BRING RABBIT SUFFERING FROM THE DISEASE TO THE RESCUE CENTRE. WE DO NOT HAVE AN ON SITE VET. IF YOU HAVE AN AFFECTED RABBIT PLEASE SEEK VETERINARY ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.
PRESS ENQUIRIES:
The rescues director, Lorna Field, is available for TV and radio interviews on this subject. If you would like to film at the rescue or book an interview with Lorna, please email the rescues Press Officer Liz Saunders on: press@greenfieldsrescue.co.uk
