MYXOMATOSIS VACCINE
What is myxomatosis?
It is a virus that was introduced to Äustralia in 1950 to try and destroy the wild population of rabbits. Thomas Austin (farmer) introduced rabbits to Australia in 1859, for sporting hunters. Myxo is highly contagious. Rabbits can be infected from biting insects (mozzies, fleas) and can be passed from infected rabbit to healthy rabbit.
Why is myxo so prevalent this year?
The high level of rain has caused an increase in mosquitoes breeding. Biting insects infect rabbits with the fatal disease. Infected mosquitoes are being blown off course from infected areas into city & suburban parts of Melbourne, increasing the number of pet rabbits dying of myxo.
How can I prevent my rabbit getting myxo?
Insect proof all outside accommodation (including roof & floor). Avoid your rabbit running loose outside this summer or, at least, around dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active. The best protection is to bring your bunny indoors and ensure your house has insect screens on windows & install screen doors.
Why doesn’t Australia have a vaccine?
The government are refusing to import the vaccine to Australia as they falsely believe that the wild rabbit population will benefit.
Is the myxo vaccine available in other countries?
Yes, the UK & Europe have the vaccine available to their pet rabbits.
Has myxo made an impact on the Australian wild rabbit population?
It used to kill 90-100% of the wild rabbit population many decades ago. The wild rabbit population have, however, developed an immunity to the disease naturally. The wild rabbits are still dying from myxo, however, they are taking longer to die causing undue extended suffering.
Why do our pet bunnies die quicker from myxo?
Because our pet bunnies have not had any chance to develop an immunity (like the wild rabbit population have naturally developed). Our pet bunnies can die from a mild strain of myxomatosis in only a few days after being infected.
If a vaccinated pet rabbit escaped into the bush, would immunity of the pet rabbit be passed onto the wild rabbit population?
Highly unlikely. Apart from a pet rabbit having a very low chance of survival in the wild, the vaccinated pet rabbit would have a very low chance of passing on immunity through breeding. Also, anyone who would take the time to vaccinate their pet bunny from myxo, would not likely dump their pet in the bush, even further lessening the chances of passing on any immunity to the wild population. A desexed pet bunny also means that immunity is impossible to pass on to the wild rabbit population.
Crusaders Against Cruelty
www.radicalrabbit.org
