Warning of rabbit virus outbreak

Rabbit owners in the Bristol area are being warned of a possible outbreak of myxomatosis after four cases were treated by one veterinary practice.

Vets have urged owners to check their pets are vaccinated against the virus which if contracted, causes rabbits immense suffering.

It is spread by insects such as midges, mosquitoes, flies, fleas and fur mites.

"An outbreak usually starts with a trickle of cases soon escalating into scores," said vet Brigitte Reusch.

The wet weather and floods in summer have increased the breeding grounds for insects creating the ideal conditions for a wave of myxomatosis outbreaks.

Runny eyes

"We have already had four cases presented to us in the last 10 days and are anxious that rabbit owners are aware of the danger," said Brigitte Reusch, veterinary surgeon and consultant in zoological medicine.

"Symptoms start with runny eyes and rapidly progress to severe conjunctivitis which causes blindness.

"This is accompanied by the swelling of the head and genital regions, lumps on the body and thick pus discharges from the nose and eyes.

"Unvaccinated rabbits that contract this disease will almost certainly die. Vaccinated rabbits can still become ill but are much more likely to respond to treatment."