VETS in Christchurch are warning people with pet rabbits to take precautions after seeing an increase in a potentially fatal disease.

A rise in the number of myxomatosis cases has been picked up recently in both wild and domestic rabbits by staff at Priory Veterinary Group.

The acute form of myxomatosis can be fatal within 10 days of a rabbit showing symptoms, although some rabbits do survive with intensive treatment.

Depending on the strain of the virus, symptoms can take up to 14 days to be seen in infected rabbits.

Behavioural change and a shift in eating habits is often noticed in rabbits during this time.

Clinical signs then develop such as swelling of the genitalia, eyes and nose, breathing difficulties, loss of appetite and lethargy.

The prognosis of myxomatosis is extremely poor and often results in euthanasia.

Sophie Jenns, from Priory Veterinary Group in Christchurch, said: “Myxomatosis is a highly contagious viral disease in rabbits, which is spread by blood-sucking insects such as fleas, ticks, mites and mosquitoes.”

The team at Priory Veterinary Group strongly advised people to ensure their rabbits undergo annual vaccinations against myxomatosis.

They told the Daily Echo rabbits can still contact myxomatosis despite being vaccinated, but it is a mild strain of the virus which can be recovered from with veterinary treatment.

There is no cure for myxomatosis so vets stressed prevention is important.

Measures to achieve this include:

n Vaccinating rabbits against the virus

n Keeping rabbits away from stagnant water, which attracts the insects spreading the disease

n Using a mosquito net over rabbit hutches

Any rabbit owners with concerns can contact Priory Veterinary Group on 01202 484466