Are you in the know about myxomatosis?

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, we are likely to see the usual annual increase in the number of rabbits with myxomatosis.  Rabbit owners should be fully up-to-date on how this life-threatening and highly contagious disease can be effectively prevented and controlled.

Myxomatosis is typically spread by blood sucking insects and in particular the rabbit flea, Spilopsyllus cuniculi, which is frequently found on wild rabbits; transmission in the absence of bites is unusual.  All breeds of domestic rabbit are affected by myxomatosis, with little to suggest that one breed is more susceptible than another, and whatever the lifestyle of your rabbit there is a potential risk of this disease.