Myxomatosis is a deadly disease that affects domesticated rabbits. Unfortunately, no breed of a pet rabbit is left out as any of them can become infected with the disease. Sadly, there is no known cure for myxomatosis. Is there a vaccine for myxomatosis in pet rabbits? Yes, there is. However, the available vaccines can be found mainly in the UK and Europe. As of now, vaccines have not become available in the United States.
The strain of the disease found in rabbits varies by their location. So, there are chances that the vaccination may not be as effective. So, depending on your location, vaccinations may or may not be available for your bunnies.
Here are some of the headings that will be discussed in this article:
- Is there a vaccine for myxomatosis in pet rabbits?
- What does myxomatosis do to rabbits and can they survive?
- Can vaccinated rabbits get myxomatosis?
- Can myxomatosis be passed to humans?
- How much is the myxomatosis vaccine and how long does vaccination last?
In case you are wondering what myxomatosis is, here it is:
What Is Myxomatosis?
It is a poxvirus. This virus is often carried by wild rabbits, that is, rabbits who are not domesticated. While wild rabbits have this virus, they do not fall ill or die merely because of its presence in their bodies.
The virus is fatal when it is transferred to pet rabbits. The mortality rate in rabbits is exceptionally high, so extra caution must be taken.
It is usually transferred by insects. For example, suppose an insect bites an infected wild rabbit and proceeds to bite a healthy pet rabbit. In that case, that pet rabbit can become infected. It can also be transferred between pet rabbits if one of them has the virus.
As a pet owner, you have a significant role in ensuring that your rabbits are safe from such infections. This is because improper handling of a sick rabbit alongside your other healthy bunnies can transfer the virus to the safe ones.
What Does Myxomatosis Do To Rabbits?
The disease causes severe damage to the body and health of rabbits. When a bunny is infected, symptoms like swollen body parts, high fever, and a few others will be developed.
It makes them weak and sickly, unable to eat or play as they should. In addition, sick rabbits often isolate themselves, so a rabbit infected with myxomatosis may separate itself from its other companions.
Since there is no cure for myxomatosis, an infected pet will die from it. These pets often experience a lot of pain and unease. It is usually advised that such rabbits should be euthanized to release them from the trauma.
Symptoms of Myxomatosis in Rabbits
Once a rabbit becomes infected, it can take between eight and twenty-one days for symptoms to reflect. This is called the incubation period of the virus.
In some cases, pet bunnies die within two or three days of showing symptoms due to shock or difficulty breathing. In most instances, however, it will take a couple of days for the symptoms to show. Once the symptoms reflect, such rabbits often die within ten to fourteen days.
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Swollen eyes or genitals
Rabbits often have discharges around the eyes or fluid from the lips, ears, or nose. Alongside, you might find swelling on the skin, eyes, or genitals.
Usually, these swellings would be painful for your rabbit, so they may squirm when you carry them. However, if you notice any of these, consult your vet immediately.
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High Fever
High fever could also be a sign that your bunny has the disease. So you should take note of your pets’ temperature when you play or interact with them.
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Difficulty breathing
Infected rabbits often experience difficulty breathing. This could be because their lungs are getting filled with fluid.
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Lethargy
Lethargy in rabbits usually reflects in their inactivity or unresponsiveness. The sickness causes rabbits to lose their strength and energy to lay down and look tired.
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Loss of appetite
If your rabbit is refusing to eat, it may not be because it’s a picky eater. Instead, your pet could be ill.
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Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, commonly called ‘pinkeye,’ happens when a foreign substance in the eye causes inflammation. Usually, the rabbit’s eyes will become red and runny. It can cause blindness in rabbits but is easily treatable.
Conjunctivitis is often a sign of other underlying illnesses. That’s why it can be a warning that your rabbit has developed myxomatosis.
It is vital to remember that some of these symptoms are shared with other rabbit diseases. Therefore, they could be treated and cured.
So, if you observe one or two of these signs in your rabbit, it is not a death sentence. Instead, you should visit a pet hospital to have a diagnosis of your bunny’s health. If your rabbit actually has myxomatosis, the vet will guide you on the necessary steps to be taken.
Can Rabbits Survive Myxomatosis?
Now that we’ve confirmed that there is a vaccine for myxomatosis in pet rabbits, the question is can rabbits survive myxomatosis? Most rabbits found with the disease do not survive it. Therefore, it is often advised that such rabbits should be put to sleep. In some cases, however, a few rabbits have survived with palliative care.
How To Protect and Prevent Rabbits From Getting Myxomatosis
These are the tips to follow in protecting and preventing your pet rabbit from Myxomatosis:
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Avoid contact with rabbits who have the disease
Do not mix your rabbits with other rabbits without caution. If you suspect any rabbit of being ill, isolate it immediately. Don’t wait till you confirm it’s an illness.
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Insect control
Myxomatosis is mainly spread through mosquitoes and fleas. So, you must ensure that your bunny’s flea treatment is up to date.
It’s not safe to use dog or cat flea treatment on rabbits. So, don’t do it. Instead, you should buy vet-approved flea treatments or sprays for your rabbits.
A good mosquito net and screen are essential to keep mosquitoes at bay. If your nets are damaged or torn, you ought to replace them. Your windows and doors should also be shut appropriately. This will protect both you and your pet.
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Clean and disinfect your home regularly
Insects and mites thrive in dirty and unhygienic areas. Therefore, you must keep your rabbit’s hutch and its environment clean at all times. Your gutters and drainage pipes are included.
If there is stagnant water around you, it will help breed mosquitoes, increasing the risk of myxomatosis in your pets.
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Vaccinations
Is there a vaccination for myxomatosis in pet rabbits? Yes, there is.
It is the best way to prevent your rabbit from getting infected. So, if you have Myxomatosis vaccinations around you, ensure that you schedule an appointment to have your rabbit or rabbits vaccinated.
The disease is fatal and will kill your rabbit, so prevention is vital.
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Watch out for symptoms and report them to your vet
If rabbits could speak up about their illnesses, pet care would be so much easier. But, sadly, this is not the case.
As a pet owner, you should observe and physically examine your rabbits from time to time. You can do this when you feed them or when you play with them. If you notice any of the described symptoms or unusual behavior, contact your vet.
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Get rid of contaminated objects
It is necessary in cases where a sick rabbit has been discovered. If you find out that any of your rabbits have been infected, you must clear out their bedding, toys, or other belongings.
This will prevent other rabbits from contamination or other illness.
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Keep up with healthcare appointments
Pets should have regular checkups and health appointments. You shouldn’t miss these appointments as they can help the timely discovery of the virus.
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Flea treatment for other pets
If you keep other pets, they are likely to have fleas. So, you must also ensure that their flea treatments are steady. This is because your dog or cat can spread fleas to unsuspecting bunnies.
Even though myxomatosis will not affect your other pets, the fleas can spread it to your rabbits. So, flea treatments for other pets will protect your rabbits.
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Keep your rabbits indoors
Refrain from allowing your rabbits to wander outdoors. This will definitely expose them to flea or mosquito bites. If they must play outdoors, create a playing area with proper netting and anti-insect screens.
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Quarantine new rabbits
Yes, quarantine! Infected rabbits may not show symptoms for up to 14 days. This means there’s a possibility that you will purchase new rabbits who are already carrying the virus without being aware of that fact. They could also have fleas in their fur.
Therefore, the safest way to protect your other bunnies is by housing your new bunnies separately. You can observe them for a week or two before putting them in the same space as your other pets.
Whenever you handle either pet, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly.
Can Vaccinated Rabbits Get Myxomatosis?
Yes. In some cases, vaccinated pet rabbits catch mild cases of the disease. Recovery, in this case, is easier since the immune system has developed some resistance to the virus due to vaccination.
It is, however, better to keep vaccinated rabbits away from other infected animals.
Can Myxomatosis Be Passed To Humans?
Myxomatosis is a disease that only affects rabbits. Although wild rabbits carry the virus, they usually live without a fatality. Pet rabbits, on the other hand, will die if infected with the virus.
Fortunately, this fatal virus cannot infect humans or other pets. So, your dogs, cats, Guinea pigs, birds, or ferrets are not at risk of getting infected with it.
Still, it’s not advisable to leave an infected rabbit to roam around. It could infect other rabbits or sustain bad injuries if its eyesight has been affected.
Such rabbits need utmost comfort to put them at ease till they pass away. So, bear in mind that you can care for your rabbit as best as you can. You will not be infected.
How Much Is The Myxomatosis Vaccine?
People often ask, is there a vaccine for myxomatosis in pet rabbits? Unfortunately, the Myxomatosis vaccine is not available in the US, and there are restrictions on its importation. So, you will be unable to purchase a vaccine for your rabbit if you live in America.
Persons in the UK or Europe can get the vaccine for 15 to fifty pounds. Typically, combined vaccinations for Myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease will be administered. This is more expensive than single shots for the Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Diseases (R(V)HD2).
How Long Does The Vaccination Last?
Rabbit vaccinations are usually given yearly. However, if you are unsure about your pet’s last vaccination date, you should visit a Vet for confirmation.
Bunnies can get vaccinations from five to seven weeks of age. It’s best to be in touch with your vet so that you can keep the vaccinations timely. This way, you can prevent the spread of infections and keep your pets healthy.
So, there is a vaccine for myxomatosis in pet rabbits. However, this is primarily location-dependent. Vaccines are available across the UK and Europe, but not in the United States and other parts of the world. Well, that’s not the only thing you need to know about myxomatosis in pet rabbits. Gladly, we’ve discussed everything in this article. Hopefully, you’ve got a lot of information in this article. Now, go keep your bunnies healthy!