What is myxomatosis in rabbits? The answer is: Myxomatosis is a deadly viral disease that affects rabbits with a shocking 99% mortality rate in the U.S. As a rabbit owner myself, I can tell you this is one of the scariest threats to your bunny's health. The disease causes severe swelling around the eyes, ears and genitals, along with skin lesions and respiratory distress. If you notice these symptoms in your rabbit, you need to act fast - contact your vet immediately because this condition progresses rapidly.Here's what you should know right now: Myxomatosis spreads primarily through fleas, mites and mosquitoes, which means prevention is all about pest control. While there's no approved vaccine in the U.S. (unlike Europe), we can protect our rabbits by keeping them indoors, using vet-approved flea treatments, and avoiding contact with wild rabbits. I'll walk you through everything from early symptoms to heartbreaking treatment decisions - because when it comes to myxomatosis, knowledge truly could save your rabbit's life.
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Let me break it down for you - myxomatosis is like the chickenpox of the rabbit world, but way more dangerous. It's caused by the Myxoma virus, part of the Pox Virus family. This disease is absolutely brutal, with a shocking 99% death rate in domestic and wild European rabbits.
Here's something interesting - while we see it in Oregon, California and Mexico mostly between June-October and January-February, the virus actually originated in Central and South America. The strains in Australia and Europe tend to be less severe than what we deal with here in the Americas. The whole disease process moves fast too, taking just 8-21 days from infection to... well, you know.
First off, it's a notifiable disease under the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. That means if your bunny catches this, your vet must report it. I can't stress this enough - if you even suspect your rabbit has myxomatosis, get to a vet immediately.
Did you know there's actually a seasonal pattern to outbreaks? Here's a quick comparison of when cases spike in different regions:
| Region | Peak Seasons |
|---|---|
| Western U.S. | June-October, January-February |
| Australia | Spring and Summer |
| Europe | Late Summer to Fall |
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You'll first notice changes around the eyes and ears - they'll get puffy and red. Your bunny might develop a white discharge from eyes and nose, and their ears might droop like they're suddenly too heavy. Some rabbits get these weird purple/blue spots on their skin, or small lumps (up to 1 cm) on their face, ears or genitals.
Here's a question for you: Would you recognize if your rabbit was in serious trouble? When myxomatosis progresses, things get much worse - high fever, extreme tiredness, refusing to eat, breathing problems, and sometimes seizures. Within 10-14 days, many develop pneumonia or blood poisoning.
The main culprits are fleas, mites, and mosquitoes - basically all the tiny bloodsuckers you hate. While direct contact with infected rabbits can spread it, the more common route is through these pests. Even sharing food bowls or bedding with an infected rabbit can be risky, though less likely.
I always tell rabbit owners - if you've been around wild rabbits, wash your hands and change clothes before handling your pet. It's one of those simple precautions that could save your bunny's life.
Vets typically look at three things: symptoms, medical history, and bloodwork. A rabbit with myxomatosis will often have a fever around 106°F and swollen lymph nodes. Blood tests usually show high levels of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell). For absolute confirmation, they might do a biopsy of those skin lumps or run antibody tests.
Here's the hard truth - there's no cure. Treatment is all about supportive care to make your rabbit comfortable. This includes IV fluids, pain meds, antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, and special recovery foods. But even with all this, the survival rate is heartbreakingly low.
Photos provided by pixabay
Because the mortality rate is 99%, many vets recommend euthanasia to prevent suffering. If you choose to treat, prepare for daily vet visits and intensive care. Some rabbits with milder strains recover in 3-5 weeks, but they're often left with permanent scarring that gives them a "moth-eaten" appearance.
Let me ask you this: Would you know how to quarantine an infected rabbit properly? Complete isolation is crucial - separate room, no shared items, and always wash up before handling other pets. New rabbits should be quarantined for at least 30 days before introducing them to your existing bunnies.
If you're in an area with myxomatosis (looking at you, California), keep rabbits indoors if possible. For outdoor bunnies, use flea prevention like Revolution, install mosquito nets, and never let them interact with wild rabbits. I can't emphasize enough how important these simple steps are.
Here's a frustrating fact - while Europe and the UK have a vaccine, it's not approved in the U.S. And even if it was, we don't know if it would work against our more severe California strain. The mortality rate difference is stark: 50% in Europe vs. 99% here.
If you're in a high-risk zone, consider these extra precautions:- Screen all windows and outdoor enclosures- Use veterinarian-approved flea treatments monthly- Remove standing water where mosquitoes breed- Keep wild rabbits away from your property
Remember, myxomatosis doesn't affect humans or other pets - just rabbits and hares. But we can accidentally spread it to our bunnies if we're not careful about hygiene after being outdoors.
Photos provided by pixabay
With the U.S. strains, survival is extremely rare - about 1%. If they do pull through, recovery takes about two months. European rabbits have better odds (50% survival), but they're dealing with weaker virus strains.
Research continues, but currently it's all about supportive care. Some experimental treatments show promise, but nothing proven yet. The best "treatment" remains prevention through strict pest control and isolation protocols.
Harcourt-Brown, Frances. Textbook of Rabbit Medicine. United Kingdom, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2002.
Quesenberry, Katherine, and James W. Carpenter. Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents-E-Book: Clinical Medicine and Surgery. Elsevier Health Sciences, 2020.
DeMello, Margo. Myxomatosis. House Rabbit Society. 2022.
Riley, Elizabeth. Myxomatosis in Rabbits. Veterinary Partner. 2020.
Joerg Mayer, DVM, DABVP (ECM), DECZM, DACZM. Viral Diseases of Rabbits. Merck Vet Manual. 2022.
World Organization of Animal Health. Myxomatosis. 2022.
Jörg Mayer, Donnelly TM. Clinical Veterinary Advisor. Birds and Exotic Pets. Elsevier/Saunders; 2013.
You might not realize this, but myxomatosis doesn't just affect pet rabbits - it's actually reshaping entire ecosystems. When wild rabbit populations crash due to outbreaks, predators like foxes and birds of prey suddenly lose their main food source. I've seen areas where coyotes started hunting pets more aggressively after local rabbit numbers dropped.
Here's something fascinating - in Australia where they introduced the virus intentionally, some native plants actually suffered because rabbits weren't there to spread their seeds anymore. The whole food web gets thrown out of balance. Makes you think twice about how interconnected nature really is, doesn't it?
Let me tell you about my friend who runs a rabbit boarding facility - one outbreak in their area nearly put them out of business. Rabbit breeders, pet stores, and even hay farmers all feel the ripple effects when myxomatosis hits. Veterinary clinics see a surge in emergency visits, but also heartbreaking losses that affect their staff morale.
Check out these numbers showing how outbreaks impact different industries:
| Industry | Average Revenue Drop During Outbreaks | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Rabbit Boarding | 60-80% | 6-12 months |
| Breeders | 40-70% | 1-2 breeding cycles |
| Veterinary Clinics | 15-30% increase then drop | 3-6 months |
Researchers recently made an incredible discovery - some wild rabbits are actually evolving resistance to myxomatosis! In Australia, where the virus has been present longest, about 25% of rabbits now show natural immunity. Scientists are studying their DNA to understand how this works, hoping it might lead to better treatments.
Here's a mind-blowing fact - the myxoma virus is being studied as a potential cancer treatment because of how it targets specific cells. Who would've thought this deadly rabbit disease could someday help human medicine? Makes you wonder what other medical breakthroughs might come from studying animal diseases.
While Europe has had a myxomatosis vaccine for years, U.S. researchers face unique challenges. Our virus strain is more aggressive, and FDA approval processes are notoriously slow. I spoke with a researcher at UC Davis who said they're testing a new vaccine prototype, but it'll be at least 3-5 years before it might be available.
The frustrating part? Even if we get a vaccine, distribution will be tricky. Most rabbit owners don't regularly vaccinate their pets like dog or cat owners do. We'd need a major public education campaign to make it effective. But hey, if we can get people to vaccinate against rabbit hemorrhagic disease, maybe there's hope!
Dr. Sarah Wilkins, who's treated over 50 myxomatosis cases, told me: "The hardest part isn't the medical challenge - it's watching families go through the emotional rollercoaster." She described one case where a child's 4H rabbit survived against all odds, becoming somewhat of a local celebrity. These rare success stories keep vets going during outbreak seasons.
What many people don't realize is how emotionally draining this work is for veterinary staff. They form bonds with these rabbits too, and losing so many takes a real toll. Some clinics actually bring in grief counselors during bad outbreak years.
Meet Thumper - a California rabbit who beat the odds and survived myxomatosis. His owner, Maria Gonzalez, credits round-the-clock care including homemade electrolyte solutions and keeping him in a humidified bathroom. Thumper's now the official mascot for a myxomatosis awareness campaign, showing people that while rare, recovery is possible.
These survivor rabbits often become advocates for the cause. Their distinctive "moth-eaten" fur serves as a visible reminder of what they've been through. Many owners of survivor rabbits volunteer at shelters to help educate others about prevention.
If you're setting up outdoor housing, here's a pro tip - elevate the enclosure at least 18 inches off the ground and add a mosquito net "roof." I've seen creative setups using old screen doors repurposed as protective covers. The key is creating multiple barriers between your bunny and potential carriers.
For indoor rabbits, don't get complacent! Those pesky mosquitoes can sneak in through tiny gaps. Install window screens and consider adding mosquito netting around your rabbit's play area during peak season. One owner I know even uses a small fan near her rabbit's cage - mosquitoes hate moving air!
Every rabbit owner should have these essentials ready:- Digital thermometer (rabbit-safe)- Sterile saline eye wash- Critical care recovery food- Electrolyte powder- Flea comb- Emergency vet contacts
Store it all in a clearly labeled container near your rabbit's area. While we hope you'll never need it, being prepared could buy crucial time in an emergency. I update mine every six months - it's become as routine as changing smoke detector batteries!
In some California communities, rabbit owners have created alert systems to warn each other about possible outbreaks. When someone spots sick wild rabbits, they notify the network so everyone can ramp up precautions. It's like a neighborhood watch, but for bunny health!
These grassroots efforts have proven surprisingly effective. One community reported a 60% drop in pet rabbit cases after implementing their alert system. They even partnered with local mosquito control districts to coordinate spraying in high-risk areas.
Some 4H clubs and agricultural schools now include myxomatosis prevention in their rabbit care curriculum. Kids learn to identify early signs and proper flea control methods. The best part? These kids then educate their families, creating a ripple effect of awareness.
I visited one classroom where students created hilarious (but accurate) comic books about "Super Bunny vs. The Evil Myxo Virus." When education is fun and engaging, the lessons stick. Maybe we should get Marvel to do a myxomatosis awareness special!
E.g. ：Myxomatosis | Symptoms in Rabbits | Blue Cross
A: Let me give it to you straight - myxomatosis moves frighteningly fast. From the moment of infection, death typically occurs within 5-14 days with the U.S. strains. The first signs (like swollen eyelids) appear within 2-5 days, followed by rapid deterioration. By day 7, most rabbits develop severe breathing difficulties and secondary infections. As someone who's helped many rabbit owners through this, I can tell you the progression is heartbreaking to watch. That's why prevention is so crucial - once symptoms appear, there's very little we can do except make them comfortable.
A: Here's the good news/bad news situation: Indoor rabbits are much safer, but not completely risk-free. The main danger comes from mosquitoes that sneak inside - just one infected bite could expose your bunny. I recommend screening all windows, using indoor-safe pest control, and checking your rabbit daily for symptoms. Another risk factor? You could accidentally bring the virus home on your clothes after being in areas with wild rabbits. That's why I always change clothes and wash up thoroughly before handling my indoor rabbits.
A: This is the hardest part to explain to owners - there's no cure or specific treatment for myxomatosis. As a vet, all we can offer is supportive care: fluids for hydration, pain medication, antibiotics for secondary infections, and nutritional support. Some European rabbits survive with intensive care, but our U.S. strains are far more deadly. The painful truth? Many vets recommend humane euthanasia to prevent suffering once diagnosis is confirmed. I wish I had better news, which is why I'm so passionate about prevention education.
A: After losing a patient to this disease last year, I developed this 5-point protection plan for my clients: 1) Keep rabbits indoors if possible, 2) Use vet-prescribed flea/mite prevention year-round, 3) Install mosquito screens on windows/outdoor enclosures, 4) Never allow contact with wild rabbits, and 5) Quarantine new rabbits for 30 days. Bonus tip? Remove standing water near your home to reduce mosquitoes. These simple steps could mean the difference between life and death for your bunny.
A: This frustrates me too! While Europe has had a vaccine for years, the USDA hasn't approved it here for two main reasons: First, our California strain is more virulent - we don't know if their vaccine would even work. Second, there are concerns about vaccine safety in our domestic rabbit population. The good news? Researchers are working on solutions. In the meantime, focus on what you can control - pest prevention and avoiding exposure. I check for vaccine updates regularly and promise to share any breakthroughs with my readers immediately.
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