Myxomatosis and RHD in Rabbits: Protecting Your Rabbit

At a glance

What it is	Two different viral diseases of rabbits. Myxomatosis causes swellings and weakness; RHD affects internal organs and blood clotting
Who's at risk	All pet rabbits, whether they live indoors or outdoors, especially those who are unvaccinated
Main signs	Myxomatosis: swelling around the eyes, nose and genitals. RHD: sudden death, sometimes with no warning, or dullness, not eating, breathing difficulty and bleeding
Contagious?	Yes, between rabbits. They do not infect people, dogs or cats
Can it be prevented?	Vaccination gives the best protection, alongside insect control and good hygiene

What it is

Myxomatosis is caused by a virus that has been present in wild rabbit populations for many years. It is spread mainly by biting insects, such as fleas and mosquitoes, which pick up the virus from an infected rabbit and pass it on to the next. It can also spread through direct contact between rabbits. Cases are often more common in warmer months, when insects are most active, but they can happen at any time of year.

In unvaccinated rabbits, myxomatosis is usually a very severe illness. The virus causes swellings in the skin and around the head and genitals, and affected rabbits become weak and very unwell. Vaccinated rabbits can sometimes still pick up the virus, but they usually have a much milder form of the disease and a far better chance of recovery.

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD), sometimes called viral haemorrhagic disease, is caused by a different virus. There is more than one type, and newer strains have spread widely in recent years. RHD attacks internal organs, particularly the liver, and interferes with the blood's ability to clot. It can cause sudden death, sometimes in a rabbit that seemed perfectly well a short time before.

The RHD virus is very hardy. It can survive in the environment for a long time and is easily carried from place to place on:

• Clothing and shoes
• Hay, straw and fresh greens picked from places where wild rabbits live
• Bedding, bowls and equipment
• Insects, birds and other animals
• Direct contact with infected rabbits, wild or pet

This is why even rabbits that never go outside can be at risk.

Signs to watch for

Myxomatosis signs often include:

• Swelling and puffiness around the eyes, which may become closed
• Discharge from the eyes or nose
• Swelling around the lips, ears, nose and genitals
• Lumps on the skin
• Dullness, not eating and lethargy
• Breathing difficulty as the disease progresses

RHD signs can include:

• Sudden death, sometimes with no warning signs at all
• Dullness, quietness and not eating
• A high temperature
• Difficulty breathing
• Bleeding from the nose, mouth or bottom
• Collapse, weakness or seizures

With RHD in particular, there may be no time to notice anything. For this reason, prevention is so important.

Rabbits are prey animals and naturally hide signs of illness. Any change in your rabbit's eating, droppings, behaviour or breathing deserves attention. The symptom checker can help you organise what you have noticed, but please do not delay contacting a vet if your rabbit seems unwell.

When to see a vet

Any sick rabbit is urgent. Rabbits can go downhill very quickly, and conditions that might wait a day in another pet often cannot wait in a rabbit.

Contact a vet straight away if your rabbit:

• Has any swelling around the eyes, nose, mouth or genitals
• Has stopped eating or is producing fewer or no droppings. Our article on a rabbit not eating explains why this is so serious
• Is quiet, hunched, hiding or not moving normally
• Has breathing difficulty or any bleeding
• Has collapsed

When you call, tell the practice if you suspect myxomatosis or RHD. They may ask you to follow particular steps on arrival to protect other rabbits in the clinic.

If one rabbit in a group dies suddenly, contact your vet promptly. They can advise on whether testing is helpful and how to protect any other rabbits in your home.

How vets diagnose it

Myxomatosis is often recognised from the typical swellings and history, especially in an unvaccinated rabbit or during a local outbreak. Your vet will examine your rabbit carefully and may suggest tests if the signs are unusual.

RHD is harder to diagnose in a living rabbit because it often moves so quickly. It is frequently confirmed after death through laboratory testing of tissue samples. Although this is a very difficult time, testing can give you important information, particularly if you have other rabbits or plan to bring new rabbits into your home in future.

Treatment and management

There is no specific cure for either virus. Treatment focuses on supportive care to help the rabbit's body cope.

For myxomatosis, especially in vaccinated rabbits with milder disease, your vet may offer nursing care such as keeping the rabbit warm, eating and drinking, cleaning the eyes and nose, and managing pain and secondary infections. Some rabbits recover with dedicated care. In unvaccinated rabbits with severe disease, the outlook is often poor, and your vet may gently discuss whether putting your rabbit to sleep is the kindest option to prevent suffering.

For RHD, rabbits that become ill are often very sick, and many do not survive despite treatment. Your vet will advise on what care is possible and what is kindest.

If your rabbit has had either disease, your vet will also help you think about cleaning, disinfection and protecting any other rabbits.

Prevention

Vaccination is the main protection. Vaccines are available that cover myxomatosis and the different types of RHD. Ask a rabbit-savvy vet which vaccines are right for your rabbit and how often they are needed, as protection must be kept up to date. Your vet will tailor advice to your rabbit's age, health and where you live.

Other helpful steps include:

• Insect control. Use fly screens on hutches and windows, keep living areas clean, remove standing water nearby and ask your vet about suitable flea control for rabbits. Never use products meant for other animals unless your vet advises it, as some are harmful to rabbits.
• Avoid contact with wild rabbits. Make sure enclosures are secure so wild rabbits cannot get close.
• Choose food carefully. Buy hay and bedding from reputable suppliers, and avoid picking fresh greens from areas where wild rabbits live.
• Good hygiene. Wash your hands and consider changing shoes after visiting places with wild rabbits or handling other rabbits. Clean bowls, hutches and equipment regularly.
• Quarantine new rabbits. Keep new arrivals separate for a period and check they are vaccinated before mixing them with your rabbit.
• Indoor rabbits need vaccines too. Because RHD travels on clothing, hay and other objects, and insects can come indoors, living inside does not remove the risk.

Our rabbit care guide covers housing, diet and everyday care that support your rabbit's overall health.

Living with it

Knowing these diseases exist can feel worrying, but there is a lot you can do. Keeping vaccinations up to date, controlling insects and following simple hygiene habits give your rabbit the best chance of avoiding them.

Get to know your rabbit's normal eating, droppings and behaviour, so you notice changes quickly. Keep your vet's number, and the details of an out-of-hours service that sees rabbits, somewhere easy to find. If you ever have doubts, call. With a rabbit-savvy vet on your side and good daily care, most rabbits stay healthy and happy for many years.