28/08/2026
be aware it’s really important to keep our fluffy babies safe …
🐰⚠️ MYXOMATOSIS AWARENESS – PLEASE READ & SHARE ⚠️🐰
We’ve recently had an increase in people bringing rabbits showing possible signs of myxomatosis into our centre, as well as calls from people who have found sick wild rabbits and aren’t sure what to do.
We completely understand that you’re trying to help ❤️ — but bringing a potentially infected rabbit into a rescue can put other rabbits at serious risk.
📖 A LITTLE HISTORY
Myxomatosis was actually deliberately introduced by humans to control wild rabbit populations. The virus originated in South America and was introduced to Australia in 1950 and France in 1952. It reached Britain in 1953, causing a devastating decline in wild rabbits.
Although wild rabbits have since developed greater resistance, myxomatosis has never disappeared and remains a serious and potentially fatal disease today. 💔
🦠 WHAT IS MYXOMATOSIS?
Myxomatosis is a highly infectious viral disease in rabbits. It can spread through biting insects such as fleas and mosquitoes, direct contact and contaminated hands, clothing, footwear and equipment.
People cannot catch myxomatosis, but we can accidentally carry contamination between rabbits.
🚨 SIGNS CAN INCLUDE:
• Swollen, red or crusty eyes
• Swelling around the eyes, face, ears or ge****ls
• Discharge from the eyes or nose
• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty breathing
• A rabbit that is extremely unwell or struggling to move
💔 THERE IS NO SPECIFIC CURE
Myxomatosis can be extremely painful and distressing. A vet can assess the rabbit and provide treatment and pain relief where appropriate. Sadly, in severe cases, euthanasia may be recommended to prevent suffering.
🐇 FOUND A WILD RABBIT WITH POSSIBLE MYXOMATOSIS?
❌ PLEASE DO NOT BRING IT INTO A RESCUE CENTRE.
➡️ Contact a local veterinary practice and explain that you have found a wild rabbit showing possible signs of myxomatosis.
➡️ Do not take the rabbit into the waiting room.
➡️ Let the vet know you are outside and follow their instructions.
If you have pet rabbits at home, tell the vet — this is particularly important.
🧼 ALREADY HANDLED THE RABBIT?
Don’t panic, but take precautions before going near your own rabbits:
🧼 Wash your hands thoroughly.
👕 Change clothing that may have come into contact with the rabbit.
👟 Remove potentially contaminated footwear.
🧹 Thoroughly clean and disinfect carriers, towels and equipment.
🐰 Keep the rabbit completely away from your own rabbits and their food, hay and belongings.
💉 PROTECT YOUR OWN RABBITS
Vaccination is one of the most important ways to protect rabbits against myxomatosis — including indoor rabbits, who are not completely protected from biting insects.
Regular flea prevention, good hygiene and limiting contact with wild rabbits can also help reduce the risk.
❤️ PLEASE SHARE
We know finding a sick wild rabbit is upsetting, and we’re so grateful to everyone who wants to help.
But if you suspect myxomatosis, a vet should be your first point of contact — not a rescue centre.
By following this simple step, you can help protect the rabbit you’ve found, your own rabbits and the many vulnerable rabbits cared for by rescues. 🐰❤️
📢 Please share — the more people who know what to do, the safer our rabbits will be.
