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[[Image:Myxomatosis_rabbit_logo.jpg|200px|right|thumb|A European Rabbit afflicted by Myxomatosis <br> Chris Bayley, WikiMedia Commons]]

[[Image:Myxomatosis_rabbit_logo.jpg|200px|right|thumb|A European Rabbit afflicted by Myxomatosis <br> Chris Bayley, WikiMedia Commons]]

==Description==

==Introduction==

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.