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Deadly Rabbit Virus Spreading: Pet Owners Warned
21 Apr
Summary
- A contagious viral disease, myxomatosis, is affecting wild rabbits.
- The disease is often fatal and spread by insects like fleas.
- Owners should limit pet contact with wild rabbits and check vaccines.
Pet owners are being alerted to a concerning rise in myxomatosis, a dangerous viral disease affecting wild rabbits. Veterinary professionals have noted an increase in infected rabbits this spring, emphasizing the disease's high fatality rate. Myxomatosis is primarily transmitted through blood-sucking insects like fleas and mosquitoes, posing a significant risk to domestic rabbits.
Owners are strongly advised to minimize contact between their pets and wild rabbits. This includes securing outdoor enclosures and ensuring pet rabbits have current vaccinations. Monitoring pets to prevent them from consuming carcasses of infected wild rabbits is also recommended for dog and cat owners. Symptoms of myxomatosis in rabbits include lethargy, unresponsiveness, weight loss, and visible swelling.
Veterinary practices are asking the public to bring any unwell rabbits for examination to prevent suffering. While the disease's prevalence can fluctuate, this outbreak highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting pet rabbit populations from this severe threat.
