  Animal Care - Rabbit Care - Myxomatosis |
Myxomatosis - by Dr. Micheal MurrayMyxomatosis is a devastating viral disease of the domestic rabbit here in Central California. The disease is found in the wild rabbit species, particularly the brush bunny, in which it causes no clinical disease. The virus may be transmitted from the wild rabbit to our domesticated pets via the bite of blood sucking external parasites, such as mosquitoes, ticks,and fleas.Affected rabbits develop a severe overwhelming disease which begins with lethargy, reddened eyes, swollen eyelids, watery ocular discharge, fever, and swollen genitalia. Most rabbits die within hours of the development of this stage of the disease. Those which survive may develop a more generalized facial redness and swelling. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for myxomatosis. Pets may be made more comfortable with a variety of medications, but most are truly ineffective in treating the disease. While there is a vaccine available in Europe, it is neither available nor effective in North America. It appears that the California strain of the virus is unique and causes the most severe forms of the disease. Prevention of infection is based upon elimination of the anthropod vectors, particularly mosquitos. Mosquito netting and screens appear to be the most effective in control of the insects. Rabbit owners should avoid allowing outdoor "playtime" for their rabbits during the highest mosquito activity periods, dusk and dawn. While use of "mosquito zapper lights" may initially seem attractive, their use may not be appropriate in the area of rabbit housing, because they attract mosquitos before they "zap" them. Rabbit owners should refrain from providing environmental and food sources which may attract wild rabbits to the pet rabbit area, as they may be asymptomatic carriers of the virus. Despite the devastating effects of the myxomatosis virus on the pet rabbit, the disease can be prevented by a conscientious mosquito, fly and flea control program. Unfortunately, this method of prevention is the only means possible, because once the rabbit is infected, it is to late. Dr. Micheal Murray practices in Monterey CA, and is the director of the Avian and Exotic Clinic of Monterey Peninsula, 2 Harris Ct. Suite A-1 Monterey CA 93940. Dr. Murray is a frequent speaker at Veterinarian Conference and is considered one of the top experts in Exotic Veterinarian Medicine in the U.S. With a clinic situated in the California "hot spot" for myxo, Dr. Murray has seen hundreds, if not thousands of cases of this devastating disease. Second Article on Myxo - For A More In Depth Report |
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