Myxomatosis increasing on island

The disease affects rabbits' eyes and ears

There are concerns about the number of rabbits in Jersey dying from the virus myxomatosis.

It is not known exactly why so many rabbits are being affected this summer, but it is thought it may be linked to the wet and humid weather.

Myxomatosis was introduced to Jersey by farmers as a form of rabbit control in the 1950s.

Recently large numbers of affected rabbits have been found around Noirmont Point and Ouaisne.

Myxomatosis is a virus which commonly affects rabbits but tends to be more apparent in spring, summer and autumn.

It is spread by blood sucking insects such as mosquitoes and fleas.

When baby rabbits stop feeding from their mothers they lose their immunity, so are more susceptible to the disease which affects the eyes and ears.

This means the rabbits go blind and this in turn means are more likely to be hit by cars.

Tiffany Blacket from Jersey's Animal Shelter, says the hot but humid weather of late may mean more mosquitoes are breeding, so the virus is more easily spread.