Overview
Myxomatosis is a serious and often deadly disease for rabbits. Caused by the myxoma virus, it can harm a rabbit’s eyes, skin, lungs, liver, and genitals. The virus spreads through bites from insects, or direct contact with an infected rabbit. It can also survive on surfaces such as bedding and food bowls for months, meaning it spreads very easily.
Vaccination is the best way to protect your rabbit, making them over eight times less likely to catch it. Cases are most common between late summer and early winter, with pet rabbits living near wild rabbit habitats being at greater risk. Myxomatosis is a real threat, but don’t worry – regular vaccinations are a simple and effective way to protect your rabbits.
Myxomatosis symptoms
Typically, myxomatosis symptoms begin to appear in your rabbit one to three weeks after infection. Rabbits who haven’t been vaccinated will experience myxomatosis symptoms much more severely. Signs to watch for include:
Swelling or reddening of the eyes, nose, lips, ears, and genitals
Milky eye discharge
Skin ulcers or nodules
Difficulty breathing
Lethargy or depression
High fever (hot to the touch)
Loss of appetite and reduced grooming
While your rabbit’s immune system fights off myxomatosis, they may develop other infections, such as pneumonia. Sadly, without treatment, myxomatosis is often fatal within two weeks. In rare cases, myxomatosis won’t cause any skin symptoms, but will still cause serious breathing issues.
How do rabbits get myxomatosis
Myxomatosis is an easily spread disease that rabbits can catch in several ways:
Biting insects: Fleas (even from other pets like cats and dogs), mosquitoes, and mites are the most common culprits for myxomatosis.
Direct contact: Infected rabbits spread the virus through their nasal or eye discharge.
Contaminated surfaces: The virus can survive on bedding, food bowls, and water bottles.
The risk of infection is highest during warmer months when mosquito activity increases. With mosquitoes becoming more widespread in the UK, it’s even more important to stay proactive about protecting your rabbit.
Diagnosis of myxomatosis
To diagnose myxomatosis, a vet will carry out a physical exam. In many cases, a presumptive diagnosis of myxomatosis will be made based on the classic symptoms, without the need for further tests. However, in some cases, laboratory tests may be used to confirm the disease. These tests typically include:
Histopathology (using a microscope to examine your rabbit’s tissue): Your vet may take samples of any skin lesions and examine them using a microscope.
Serology (a blood test for antibodies): This test detects specific antibodies, showing if your rabbit’s immune system is already fighting the virus.
Either of these tests can confirm whether your rabbit has myxomatosis.
Myxomatosis treatment
Unfortunately, there’s no specific cure for the disease. Myxomatosis treatment focuses on supportive care to keep your rabbit as comfortable as possible. This may include:
Antibiotics to prevent secondary infections
Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications
Fluid therapy to combat dehydration
Nutritional support and warmth
Sadly, unvaccinated rabbits rarely survive. In these cases, euthanasia may be the kindest choice to prevent unnecessary suffering.
Preventing myxomatosis
Giving your rabbit the myxomatosis vaccine is the most effective way to protect them. Your rabbit can get their first vaccine at five weeks old, followed by annual boosters to keep them protected. In some cases, your vet may recommend that your rabbit has a second vaccine as part of their starter course. Even if a vaccinated rabbit does catch myxomatosis, it’s likely to be much milder, and they’ll have a much better chance of recovery.
You can also reduce the risk by taking these extra precautions:
Insect control: Use mosquito nets around hutches and keep enclosures clean.
Hygiene practices: Disinfect living spaces often and avoid sharing items between rabbits, especially if one has been unwell.
Quarantine new arrivals: Vaccinate new rabbits, and keep them separate for at least three weeks before introducing them to others.
Prevent contact with wild rabbits: if you have rabbits which live outdoors, keep in mind the prevention of direct contact with any wild rabbits while setting up their living space.
Frequently asked questions about myxomatosis
Can you touch a rabbit with myxomatosis?
Touching an infected rabbit won’t harm you, but it’s still better to avoid it. Handling a rabbit with myxomatosis can spread the virus and might make your rabbit uncomfortable, as the disease leads to painful inflammation and skin lesions. If you have to handle an infected rabbit, always wear disposable gloves and wash your hands well after handling. This will help protect other pets and keep everyone safe.
Can vaccinated rabbits still get myxomatosis?
Yes, vaccinated rabbits can still get myxomatosis, but it’s usually much milder, and they’re far more likely to recover.
I think my rabbit has myxomatosis - what should I do?
Act quickly to protect your other rabbits. Isolate the infected rabbit right away, wash your hands and clothes thoroughly, and contact your vet for an emergency appointment. They’ll guide you on the next steps.
Can dogs get myxomatosis?
No, myxomatosis only affects rabbits. It can’t infect dogs, cats, or humans, so there’s no risk to other pets or people.
My rabbit survived myxomatosis - how do I care for them now?
Rabbits that survive myxomatosis are lucky. With the right care, rabbits can recover well, but even mild strains may leave lasting health issues. Common problems include scarring, breathing difficulties, and a weaker immune system. Regular check-ups with your vet can help manage these conditions.
Do pet owners need to report myxomatosis?
In some countries, myxomatosis is a ‘notifiable disease,’ which means vets or pet owners must report outbreaks to animal health authorities. However, in the UK, myxomatosis is not currently classed as a notifiable disease.
Studies into myxomatosis in pet rabbits
A study analysing nearly 90,000 rabbit vet visits across the UK has given us a clearer picture of how myxomatosis affects pet rabbits. The research found that cases were most common between August and November. Vaccinated rabbits were much less likely to catch the disease—8.3 times less, in fact. Female rabbits that hadn’t been neutered were nearly twice as likely to contract myxomatosis. Rabbits living near wild rabbit habitats were also at higher risk, showing how important it is to vaccinate, control insects, and keep your rabbit’s home safe.
A study of rabbit DNA over 150 years showed how rabbits adapted after myxomatosis wiped out almost all the rabbits who caught it in the 1950s. Scientists found small genetic changes in their immune systems helped rabbits fight back, and these changes were seen in rabbits from the UK, France, and Australia. However, newer, stronger strains of the virus have adapted, meaning myxomatosis remains a serious threat today. That’s why vaccination remains so important for keeping your rabbit safe.
Brief history of myxomatosis
Myxomatosis was first identified in Uruguay in 1896 as a mild disease in local rabbits. These Uruguayan rabbits had naturally adapted to it, but when it was introduced to Australia in 1950 and Europe in 1952 as a way to control wild rabbit populations, it led to devastating losses among wild rabbit populations. In Australia, up to 90% of susceptible rabbits died, which had a huge impact on the local ecosystems.
Over time, some wild rabbit populations have developed resistance to the virus. However, myxomatosis is known for adapting quickly, remaining a serious threat. Unlike many viruses, it does not seem to get milder over time.
The disease has also influenced popular culture. Philip Larkin expressed his sympathy for rabbits affected by the disease in his poem ‘Myxomatosis’. Myxomatosis also appears in the novel Watership Down, which calls it ‘the white blindness,’ a reference to its effects on rabbits’ eyes.
Need more info about myxomatosis in rabbits?
If you’re concerned about myxomatosis in rabbits, have a chat with your vet. You can find your nearest vet using our find a vet page, or speak to a vet online using our video vets service.
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Published on 16/04/2025 • Reviewed on 16/04/2025