Virus deaths – public message, please share

Our social media followers have companion rabbits; they are aware of our information and advice and sadly know only too well what needs to be done should their rabbit suffer from a deadly virus – myxomatosis or Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RVHD1 or RVHD2). The general public doesn’t know this, though, so what should they do if they encounter unfortunate wild rabbits that have been infected? We want our followers to please share this post with any local groups they might belong to on any social media platform so the message reaches as many people as possible.

If you find a wild rabbit with runny eyes, a blistered or swollen face, that is having breathing problems and often doesn’t really try to get away from you, these are signs of myxomatosis. Unfortunately, this rabbit isn’t going to survive, and euthanasia is a far kinder end than leaving it to suffer this most distressing disease. Vets will generally treat wildlife free of charge during office hours, so if you can catch the rabbit and get it to a vet, that would be a real kindness. If you can’t, search online for a local wildlife rescue and ask them whether they can help.

If you find a dead wild rabbit that has no obvious symptoms or may have a small amount of blood coming from the mouth, nostrils or anus, this rabbit will probably have died from RVHD 1 or 2, both deadly viruses. This RVHD2 virus is particularly dangerous to both rabbits and hares as it can live for a long time in the dead animal or, indeed, outside of the rabbit’s body, so we ask you to please make sure that the rabbit’s body is not available to scavengers. If it’s possible to cremate the remains, then please do that. If not, then it needs to be buried very deep, preferably along with the section of ground it was lying on when you found it. The burial should be at least 2ft deep or more if you are able. Cover the burial site with stones to discourage any scavengers that might try to dig up the body. The virus is spread in every way imaginable and can remain active in the environment for up to a year, so for the sake of other rabbits and endangered hares, all steps need to be taken to remove this source of infection.

In either case—myxomatosis or suspected RVHD—please inform this Facebook group of your location to allow information about pockets of infection to be known locally. Myxomatosis and VHD in the UK Neither disease is dangerous to humans or to pets other than rabbits. Pet rabbits can and should be vaccinated once a year.