Dear All,
so sorry I have not been around, but we have had a major crisis here at the Sanctuary:? :? :?
All the rabbits are religiously vaccinated against Myxomatosis every six months, and my vet does the vaccines properly.
Unfortunately, despite this, and my taking precautions such as having a regular de bugging regime (fleas etc), hanging net curtains up to stop some mossies flying around near the bunnies, we have had SIX cases of Myxomatosis in a week.
We have lived here for 10 years, and only ever had four cases of nodular Myxomatosis (the form vaccinated rabbits get that most survive from, but can have long lasting problems such as blindness), with 100s of rabbits coming and going from the site.
To have six cases in a week is unheard of, and I have imposed a quaranteen on all the Sanctuary, with all infected bunnies being removed from their groups
( ).
None of the house rabbits have been affected, it is purely the bunnies who have outdoor avairies.
Myxomatosis is not as easy to transmit from one rabbit to another, such as a Virus, but by removing bunnies with Myxo nodules (sores) to isolation, at least it is the best we can do .
I am working with my vet who is closely monitoring the situation, and has been in touch with the vaccine manufacturers for advice. Some of the infected rabbits will be tested to see whether it is a new strain, and we will take it from there.
It is so hard seeing the bunnies suffer with swollen lips, sores on head and around eyes, and it is adding 4 hours to my already hectic day to do all the meds and give fluids(Bunnies dont drink enough when they have Myxo as they have sore lips). The vet thinks I will pull the rabbits through this with intensive husbandry, and has commended me upon my care to date.
It is not correct to say the vaccinations are not working, as none of the bunies have chest problems, just off colour and with nasty sores.
Arthurs nodules are already drying up and should fall off within a week, then he is clear .
Sadly the first bunny Snuggles who showed symptoms came out with full blown Myxo (vet thinks her immune system did not take up vaccine in the past), so we made heartbreaking decision to have her put to sleep.
The other rabbits seem to be doing well , but Poor Boadicea our Giant bunny has a nasty nodule in her eye, so that may need surgery when the Myxo is less active.
Please pray for all the bunnies, they need as much love and support as you can muster now.
I will keep you posted as what happens, but it is a very worrying and upsetting time. Especially as we have taken every available precaution in the first place to stop any diseases breaking out.
The vet says it is an exceptionally bad year for Myxo with the wet weather helping the mosquito and flea population explode. She does not consider we are at any more risk particularly here than anywhere else, it is just either rotten luck, or a new strain.
More house rabbits are getting Myxo too, so please VACCINE your rabbits twice a year for best protection.
The only plus side of this is, we did vaccinate and most of the bunnies should recover.
Love from us all at the Sanctuary.
so sorry I have not been around, but we have had a major crisis here at the Sanctuary:? :? :?
All the rabbits are religiously vaccinated against Myxomatosis every six months, and my vet does the vaccines properly.
Unfortunately, despite this, and my taking precautions such as having a regular de bugging regime (fleas etc), hanging net curtains up to stop some mossies flying around near the bunnies, we have had SIX cases of Myxomatosis in a week.
We have lived here for 10 years, and only ever had four cases of nodular Myxomatosis (the form vaccinated rabbits get that most survive from, but can have long lasting problems such as blindness), with 100s of rabbits coming and going from the site.
To have six cases in a week is unheard of, and I have imposed a quaranteen on all the Sanctuary, with all infected bunnies being removed from their groups
( ).None of the house rabbits have been affected, it is purely the bunnies who have outdoor avairies.
Myxomatosis is not as easy to transmit from one rabbit to another, such as a Virus, but by removing bunnies with Myxo nodules (sores) to isolation, at least it is the best we can do .
I am working with my vet who is closely monitoring the situation, and has been in touch with the vaccine manufacturers for advice. Some of the infected rabbits will be tested to see whether it is a new strain, and we will take it from there.
It is so hard seeing the bunnies suffer with swollen lips, sores on head and around eyes, and it is adding 4 hours to my already hectic day to do all the meds and give fluids(Bunnies dont drink enough when they have Myxo as they have sore lips). The vet thinks I will pull the rabbits through this with intensive husbandry, and has commended me upon my care to date.
It is not correct to say the vaccinations are not working, as none of the bunies have chest problems, just off colour and with nasty sores.
Arthurs nodules are already drying up and should fall off within a week, then he is clear .
Sadly the first bunny Snuggles who showed symptoms came out with full blown Myxo (vet thinks her immune system did not take up vaccine in the past), so we made heartbreaking decision to have her put to sleep.
The other rabbits seem to be doing well , but Poor Boadicea our Giant bunny has a nasty nodule in her eye, so that may need surgery when the Myxo is less active.
Please pray for all the bunnies, they need as much love and support as you can muster now.
I will keep you posted as what happens, but it is a very worrying and upsetting time. Especially as we have taken every available precaution in the first place to stop any diseases breaking out.
The vet says it is an exceptionally bad year for Myxo with the wet weather helping the mosquito and flea population explode. She does not consider we are at any more risk particularly here than anywhere else, it is just either rotten luck, or a new strain.
More house rabbits are getting Myxo too, so please VACCINE your rabbits twice a year for best protection.
The only plus side of this is, we did vaccinate and most of the bunnies should recover.
Love from us all at the Sanctuary.
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