Myxomatosis in rabbits

We would like to alert our clients that we have seen eight cases of myxomatosis in the last month. Myxomatosis is a very aggressive disease in rabbits with high death rate that varies from 50% - 90%.

Myxomatosis is a disease that was first diagnosed in Uruguay in the late 1800s. Since then it has been transmitted all over the world. The disease was introduced into Australia in 1938 in an attempt to control the large rabbit population. After the completion of the first field trials, myxomatosis was officially released in 1950. Within two years more than 500 million rabbits died but the remaining 100 million had a genetic immunity to the disease and survived. Rabbits are very prolific breeders and over the next twenty years the death rate reduced to 50% and myxomatosis proved to be an unsuccessful biological weapon against rabbits.

Myxomatosis is caused by the myxoma virus which can be transmitted by sneezing, close contact or using the same food and water bowls. The most common way of transmission in Australia is by mosquitoes and other blood sucking parasites. Once infected the rabbit develops tumours which are usually localised around the eyes, nose, mouth, base of the ears and genitals. The affected rabbit cannot eat or drink, it goes blind and effectively dies of starvation or gets killed by predators.

Although there is a vaccine available in the USA, it is prohibited in Australia because the immunity caused by it could pass to wild rabbits. Once infected, most of the rabbits are treated only with supportive care and often euthanized on humane grounds.

There are quite a few things that you can do to protect your furry friend. Cover your bunny hatches with a mosquito proof net or leave the rabbit inside the house. Do not take out your rabbit early in the morning or evening when mosquitoes are most active. Flea prevention with top spots can be useful but it will not do much against the mosquitoes. Also make sure that you house rabbits separately, keep everything clean and disinfected and, should one of your rabbits get affected, always handle this rabbit last, once all the healthy ones have been dealt with.

Should you require more information on myxomatosis please do not hesitate to contact us. Our information can be life saving.

World Greatest Shave at Northgate Veterinary Hospital

Each year at Vets4Pets we have a person who commits him/herself to this great cause. This year it was Gillian, one of our dedicated nurses at Northgate. While being bald may come a bit more naturally to males, it is a real sacrifice for the ladies. Gillian attracted a good bunch of people at Northgate last month to witness this unique event. It was not only fun but she managed to contribute over $600 to this great foundation. Congratulations Gillian from the whole Vets4Pets team on this unselfish and worthy gesture.

Good-bye and good luck Tegan

After more than three years of working for Vets4Pets, Dr Tegan Pringle is moving on. Tegan has been one of our dedicated Vets4Pets team members at Northgate and Golden Grove Veterinary Hospitals. Like many other Aussie vets she has decided to spend some time in the UK with her better half. Although in a veterinary carrier expanding your knowledge and skills are priorities, Tegan confesses that she is also looking forward to exploring the Old Continent. We wish Tegan all the best in her private and professional life and hope to see her again soon.