The Rabbit Welfare Fund (RWF) therefore, is increasingly laying emphasis on vaccinating rabbits and protecting them before these deadly diseases kill more numbers. UK has reported numerous such rabbit deaths, with Scotland, the north of England, Wales and the South East having their pets fallen prey to Myxomatosis and VHD.

Rabbits that are afflicted with myxomatosis go through immense suffering with incessant nose and eye discharges, chronic conjunctivitis and their genital parts swollen. Their heads develop lumps and the poor creatures are found stumbling around, turning down food with reduced appetites and then ultimately dying of malnourishment. Myxomatosis is generally fatal, and sadly prolongs the agonizing death to even a fortnight. Generally, pet rabbits in critical conditions are made to sleep to ease their suffering.

Conversely, Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) slays its victim within a few hours of its attack. Most rabbits inflicted with VHD are found to behave normally when death comes, while some bleed profusely or haemorhage before giving in. VHD, however, causes an excruciating death with painful symptoms like breathing problems, high fever, appetite loss, nasal and anal bleeding and screaming.

Rabbit owners can, however, take heart. Veterinary Executive of RWF, Mr. Judith Brown assured that pets could be timely protected against these ailments through proper vaccination. He added that it was most unfortunate and extremely sad when pet owners oblivious to the very existence of such vaccines were found losing their pets to these fatal diseases.

Therefore, pet rabbit owners must note that there are vaccines available against both Myxomatosis as well as VHD. For Myxomatosis, vaccines were to be given to rabbits once they were six weeks old, with the process being repeated every 12 months. However, in places where the disease was widespread, the repeated dose ought to be given every six months. VHD vaccines, on the other hand, could be administered once the rabbit was 10 weeks old, with a booster dose given every 12 months.