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==Description==
==Description==
Myxomatosis is a highly contagious viral condition of rabbits caused by the myxoma virus, a member of the poxvirus group. It was first recognised in the UK in 1953 after it crossed the channel from France where it was illegally introduced in 1952. It is carried mainly by arthropods, particularly the rabbit flea,''Spilopsyllus cuniculi''. The disease is also transmitted by direct or indirect contact with ocular or skin discharges or by mechanical vectors. The disease is characterised by subcutaneous mucinous lesions and nodular tumours and is associated with a high mortality rate.
Myxomatosis is a highly contagious viral condition of rabbits caused by the myxoma virus, a member of the poxvirus group. It was first recognised in the UK in 1953 after it crossed the channel from France where it was illegally introduced in 1952. It is carried mainly by arthropods, particularly the rabbit flea, ''Spilopsyllus cuniculi''. The disease is also transmitted by direct or indirect contact with ocular or skin discharges or by mechanical vectors. The disease is characterised by subcutaneous mucinous lesions and nodular tumours and is associated with a high mortality rate.
Myxomatosis is enzootic in cottontail rabbits of the genus Sylvilagus in both South and North America and in wild rabbits of the genus Oryctolagus in South America, Europe, and Australia. All other animals are resistant to the disease.
Myxomatosis is enzootic in cottontail rabbits of the genus Sylvilagus in both South and North America and in wild rabbits of the genus Oryctolagus in South America, Europe, and Australia. All other animals are resistant to the disease.
The most prominent gross lesions in European rabbits with myxomatosis are the skin tumours and the pronounced cutaneous and subcutaneous oedema, particularly in the area of the face and around body orifices. Skin hemorrhages and subserosal petechiae and ecchymoses may be observed in the stomach and intestines. Subepicardial and subendocardial hemorrhages may also occur.
The most prominent gross lesions in European rabbits with myxomatosis are the skin tumours and the pronounced cutaneous and subcutaneous oedema, particularly in the area of the face and around body orifices. Skin hemorrhages and subserosal petechiae and ecchymoses may be observed in the stomach and intestines. Subepicardial and subendocardial hemorrhages may also occur.
Adult rabbits of the genus Sylvilagus usually develop localized skin tumors resembling fibromas. Hares or young Sylvilagus rabbits may develop fibromatous to myxomatous nodules, however, lesions are usually mild and localized.
Adult rabbits of the genus Sylvilagus usually develop localized skin tumours resembling fibromas. Hares or young Sylvilagus rabbits may develop fibromatous to myxomatous nodules, however, lesions are usually mild and localized.
==Prevention==
==Prevention==
Vaccination and control of insect parasites are the most important means of disease prevention in domestic rabbits. In order to control flease, wild rabbits should be kept away from pet rabbits and spot-on products may be used. Mosquito control can be achieved using insect repellent strips and fine mesh netting.
Vaccination and control of insect parasites are the most important means of disease prevention in domestic rabbits. In order to control fleas, wild rabbits should be kept away from pet rabbits and spot-on products may be used. Mosquito control can be achieved using insect repellent strips and fine mesh netting.
The myxomatosis vaccine currently used in the UK is a live vaccine containing ''Shope fibroma'' virus (Nobivac Myxo, Intervet). Antibodies made against ''Shope fibroma'' provide cross immunity against myxomatosis. Intradermal vaccination is performed in order to achieve adequate immunity and annual booster vaccination is recommended. Live attenuated vaccines have been used elsewhere in Europe but have been associated with other side effects such as immunosuppression.
The myxomatosis vaccine currently used in the UK is a live vaccine containing ''Shope fibroma'' virus (Nobivac Myxo, Intervet). Antibodies made against ''Shope fibroma'' provide cross immunity against myxomatosis. Intradermal vaccination is performed in order to achieve adequate immunity and annual booster vaccination is recommended. Live attenuated vaccines have been used elsewhere in Europe but have been associated with other side effects such as immunosuppression.