PDSA Warns Of Rise In Cases Of Myxomatosis

Veterinary charity, PDSA has reported dramatic increases in cases of myxomatosis, a potentially fatal disease to pet rabbits, in three of its PetAid hospitals in Humberside, the West Midlands and the South East

Vets working in the charity's facilities at Romford and Hull have reported rises of more than 300% in the space of a year. Birmingham has also detailed large rises in the number of rabbits being treated for the condition.

Myxomatosis can be transmitted via fleas, flies that bite and direct contact with infected animals. Its symptoms include listlessness and anorexia as well as swelling of the rabbit's head, eyelids and genitals.

PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Sean Wensley, recommends that owners worried about the risk of disease to their pets should seek veterinary advice. He advises:

"The effects of the myxomatosis virus are very distressing to witness and are usually fatal. By the time clinical signs have developed, such as facial and genital swelling, it is often too late to be able to help affected rabbits.

"Myxomatosis is preventable through vaccination and protecting pet rabbits from disease and suffering should be a priority. I strongly advise owners to ask their vet about vaccinations, as well as how to minimise numbers of biting insects."

In the 12 months to date, PDSA's PetAid hospital in Hull dealt with 30 cases of myxomatosis after handling only eight the year before. The situation was equally dramatic in Romford, which saw a leap from 12 cases of the disease to 43.

Mr Wensley said pet owners in the affected areas and beyond need to be aware that myxomatosis continues to pose a threat to pet rabbits. He added that there was no evidence of a nationwide epidemic or of the virus being passed on to other species of pet:

"PDSA is drawing attention to these outbreaks because rabbit owners should be aware that myxomatosis is present and can cause terrible suffering if rabbits are not protected from the disease."