Advice following the loss of our lovely Lola

Our 6 month old mini rex Lola was put to sleep on Sunday after contracting myxomatosis. The whole family is so shocked as it all happened so quickly and I am gutted that I didn't understand the risks to pet rabbits and the importance of vaccination until it was too late. My children are devastated and I know they would love another rabbit soon but I'm worried about any infection which might remain in our garden and Lola's hutch. Can anyone give me some advice? Also in my total state of shock, I brought Lola home from the vet and we buried her in our garden. The vet was happy for me to do this but now I'm wondering how wise this was because of the possibility of infection to any future pet rabbit. I'm so sad and angry about what's happened and will do whatever it takes to prevent this horrible disease in the future. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks

I am very sorry for your loss
A dreadful way for you to learn about the devastation Myxomatosis causes

With regards to obtaining another Rabbit- Myxomatosis is spread by both biting insects and from direct contact with an infected Rabbit. If you obtained your next Rabbit from a Rescue he/she is very likely to already have received a vaccination.

Steps you can take to offer some protection

1 Vaccinate- EVERY SIX MONTHS- it is extremely important that 10% of the Vaccine is administered into the dermis and many Vets opt to do this part in the ear base where the skin is thickest. Vaccination cannot give 100% protection. It is derived not from the Myxo virus but from another similar virus (Shope Fibroma). It relies on cross immunity to offer a degree of protection. A vaccinated Rabbit can still contract Myxomatosis, but often a 'milder' nodular form. With good Vet treatment and nursing care recovery is possible.

2 Flea Treat the Rabbit and all other Pets on a regular basis

3 Try to remove all sources of standing water from your garden (standing water attracts mozzies)- ie garden ponds etc.

4 Use Fly netting over hutches and runs

5 Discourage other people's Cats from visiting your garden (they may not be flea treated)

Personally I would not use the same hutch again. Same applies for water bottles. But if you do I would thoroughly disinfect it and rinse well with boiling water. Allow it to dry out and repeat the process a second time.

As long as poor Lola's little body cannot be dug up by Foxes spread of disease should not be an issue

Here is some more information about Myxomatosis

http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/resources/content/info-sheets/understanding_myxo_feb06.htm

Thanks so much for the advice. I had no idea that vaccination against myxomatosis was so important for pet rabbits. Also foxes are unheard of where I live so you've put my mind at rest about the possibility of spreading the disease from Lola's body. Although I'm still reeling over what's happened I'm determined that it will never happen to a rabbit of mine again and I'll encourage every rabbit owner I know to vaccinate. I've already spoken to a lady who boards rabbits locally who like me had no idea that domestic rabbits were at risk from myxomatosis. Thanks again. xx

Sorry to hear about Lola.

We buried our Nibbles in the woods that have now become part of the garden - he contracted Myxi although that is not how we lost him and we have 2 rabbits living in the hutch that he had.

We got rid of all the bowls and toys etc.

We bleached the hutch but then it was empty for 2 years.

I think that if I was to get rabbits soonish after a myxi rabbit I would be inclined to do as Jack's-Jane said and get a new one.

Am not sure if you could use bleach though for a hutch that rabbits were about to occupy. We use vinegar/water 50/50 for general hutch cleaning.

Good luck with everything.