Jack's-Jane
Wise Old Thumper
PRESS RELEASE 28 August 2007
Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund
British weather wreaks havoc for pet rabbits
The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) issued warnings to pet rabbit owners today about the danger of the killer disease, Myxomatosis, which has seen a steady rise with the warm, damp conditions of recent months.
Judith Brown, RWAF Veterinary Executive explains "The humid weather that we've been experiencing of late creates an ideal breeding ground for the fleas and mosquitoes that carry the disease. Unvaccinated rabbits who are infected generally die a slow and painful death".
Rabbits owners are being urged to have their pets vaccinated against Myxomatosis as soon as possible. The advice from the RWAF backed by patron, Ingrid Tarrant, comes after the helpline received a massive increase in reports of pet rabbits, country-wide dying from this disease over the past few weeks.
Rachel Todd, RWAF Education Executive said: "Vaccination is the only way to protect your rabbit against the disease. Sadly, not all pet rabbits are protected by vaccination, largely because rabbit owners are unaware that a vaccine is available. Myxomatosis vaccine can be given from as young as six weeks old protecting the rabbit for six months in the face of an outbreak."
House rabbit owners are warned that their pets aren't safe either. According to RWAF Committee member and long-time houserabbit owner, Lizzie Smith "Myxomatosis is contracted via biting insects such as fleas or mosquitoes - as these are free living, they can be indirectly carried into your home and then infect pet rabbits".
In addition to vaccination, rabbit owners can taken preventative steps against Myxomatosis by fitting fly screens to outdoor hutches; eliminating standing water, such as ponds (where mosquitoes might breed) from gardens; preventing wild rabbits from getting into gardens; and making sure that there's nothing to attract vermin and wild birds to hutches and runs.
Rabbit owners can find more information on Myxomatosis and other important rabbit health topics on the RWAF web site www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk, from their local veterinary practice, or from the RWAF National Helpline 01403 267658.
Janex
Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund
British weather wreaks havoc for pet rabbits
The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) issued warnings to pet rabbit owners today about the danger of the killer disease, Myxomatosis, which has seen a steady rise with the warm, damp conditions of recent months.
Judith Brown, RWAF Veterinary Executive explains "The humid weather that we've been experiencing of late creates an ideal breeding ground for the fleas and mosquitoes that carry the disease. Unvaccinated rabbits who are infected generally die a slow and painful death".
Rabbits owners are being urged to have their pets vaccinated against Myxomatosis as soon as possible. The advice from the RWAF backed by patron, Ingrid Tarrant, comes after the helpline received a massive increase in reports of pet rabbits, country-wide dying from this disease over the past few weeks.
Rachel Todd, RWAF Education Executive said: "Vaccination is the only way to protect your rabbit against the disease. Sadly, not all pet rabbits are protected by vaccination, largely because rabbit owners are unaware that a vaccine is available. Myxomatosis vaccine can be given from as young as six weeks old protecting the rabbit for six months in the face of an outbreak."
House rabbit owners are warned that their pets aren't safe either. According to RWAF Committee member and long-time houserabbit owner, Lizzie Smith "Myxomatosis is contracted via biting insects such as fleas or mosquitoes - as these are free living, they can be indirectly carried into your home and then infect pet rabbits".
In addition to vaccination, rabbit owners can taken preventative steps against Myxomatosis by fitting fly screens to outdoor hutches; eliminating standing water, such as ponds (where mosquitoes might breed) from gardens; preventing wild rabbits from getting into gardens; and making sure that there's nothing to attract vermin and wild birds to hutches and runs.
Rabbit owners can find more information on Myxomatosis and other important rabbit health topics on the RWAF web site www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk, from their local veterinary practice, or from the RWAF National Helpline 01403 267658.
Janex
