RABBITS · Condition guide
Myxomatosis in rabbits: real veterinary case reports
Myxomatosis is a viral disease of rabbits caused by the myxoma virus (a poxvirus). It's transmitted by biting insects — fleas, mosquitoes, mites — and by direct contact with infected rabbits. The classic presentation is dramatic swelling around the eyes, ears, lips, anus, and genitals, often with thick discharge and skin nodules; affected rabbits stop eating, become lethargic, and most die within 1-2 weeks. The disease persists in wild rabbit populations across the UK, Europe, and Australia and is a leading cause of preventable death in unvaccinated pet rabbits.
The good news: effective combined RVHD-2 + myxomatosis vaccines are widely available and should be considered essential for any pet rabbit, indoors or outdoors. Treatment of established disease is largely supportive (fluids, syringe feeding, analgesia, eye care) with a guarded-to-poor prognosis — vaccinated rabbits that contract a milder form have substantially better outcomes than unvaccinated rabbits. Vector control (flea prevention, mosquito screens, indoor housing during high-risk seasons) plus annual vaccination is the only reliable strategy.
What vets typically check for
- Clinical signs are usually diagnostic in endemic areas.
- PCR or virus isolation from skin lesions or conjunctival swabs confirms diagnosis.
- Supportive care: warmth, fluids, syringe feeding, analgesia, eye lubrication.
- Strict isolation from other rabbits — the virus is highly contagious.
- Annual vaccination (combined RVHD-2 / myxomatosis vaccine) for prevention.
Not a replacement for veterinary care. Use this to walk into the conversation prepared, not to self-diagnose.
Real cases from the veterinary literature
Peer-reviewed reports our semantic search surfaces for Myxomatosis in rabbits. Click into any case for the full abstract — or run a personalised search with your pet's exact details.
- Cutaneous lesions in pet rabbits following subcutaneous administration of a novel bivalent vaccine against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease.
Veterinary dermatology · 2014 · Italy
BACKGROUND: A novel bivalent vaccine to protect against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease is commercially available for pet rabbits. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To describe the appearance of cutaneous lesions arising in pet rabbits positive for myxoma virus (MV) by RT-PCR evaluation shortly after vaccination. ANIMALS: Four pet rabbits presenting with papular, crusting
- Viral skin diseases of the rabbit.
The veterinary clinics of North America. Exotic animal practice · 2013 · United Kingdom
This article talks about skin diseases caused by viruses in domestic rabbits, with myxomatosis being the most significant one. It covers how these viruses spread, how they affect rabbits, the signs to look for, how to diagnose them, and possible treatments and prevention methods. Other viruses mentioned include Shope fibroma virus, Shope papilloma virus, and rabbitpox. This inf
- First detection of myxomatosis in European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) in West-Hungary.
Acta veterinaria Hungarica · 2026 · United States
The authors were the first to identify myxomatosis in brown hares (Lepus europaeus) in a hunting area in western Hungary. During the necropsy of brown hares, dermatitis accompanied by multiplex pustule formation and keratinisation disorders were observed primarily on the head, eyelids, ears and skin around the mouth.
- Myxoma virus in the European rabbit: interactions between the virus and its susceptible host.
Veterinary research · 2007 · United Kingdom
Myxoma virus is a type of virus that can cause a serious disease called myxomatosis in European rabbits. Although this virus doesn't normally infect rabbits, it can trick their immune system and lead to a severe and often deadly illness. Researchers are studying how the proteins from this virus interact with the rabbit's immune system, which helps us understand how similar viru
- Refinement and Successful Implementation of a Scoring System for Myxomatosis in a Susceptible Rabbit () Model.
Comparative medicine · 2018 · United States
Myxomatosis is a serious disease caused by the myxoma virus, which only affects rabbits. In rabbits, this illness starts as a localized infection but quickly spreads, weakening their immune system and leading to severe health issues, including organ failure and death. Researchers have developed a new scoring system to help track the progression of the disease in affected rabbit
Frequently asked questions
- Can my indoor rabbit catch myxomatosis?
- Yes — mosquitoes and fleas can carry the virus indoors. Indoor-only rabbits are at lower but not zero risk. Vaccination is recommended for all pet rabbits regardless of housing.
- Can I treat it once my rabbit has it?
- Treatment is supportive only — there is no specific antiviral. Vaccinated rabbits that contract a milder form often recover with intensive supportive care; unvaccinated rabbits with classic myxomatosis have a very poor prognosis, and euthanasia on welfare grounds is frequently the kindest option for severe cases.
- How often should I vaccinate?
- Annually with a combined RVHD-2 and myxomatosis vaccine, starting from 5 weeks of age. Discuss the specific vaccine and protocol with your rabbit-savvy vet — products and intervals vary by country.