Myxomatosis and vaccinating
This is caused by the myxoma virus which is widely distributed in the wild rabbit population, to curtail the numbers of rabbits, and the damage they can cause to farmer's crops. As the years have passed, like any disease and cure, new strains develop, as the animal becomes immune. Vaccinating your rabbit will only cover some strains of myxomatosis, but will not cover them all. Therefore, yes, it is advisable to vaccinate your rabbit, but vaccination will not guarantee complete assurance that your rabbit is covered.
Myxomatosis is carried by fleas and mosquitoes, and the disease is contracted through the skin into the blood stream from a bite from one of these insects. Once bitten by an infected insect the rabbit will go through a two day to a week incubation period. The first signs of myxomatosis will be puffy eyes and conjunctivitis and swelling of the skin surrounding the eyes which will spread to other areas. It has been known for rabbits to survive this disease, but it is a long slow recovery.
There are many precautions you can take for the general care of your pet, and that is to make sure his/her is kept clean. Rabbits generally mess in one corner of their hutch, which is easy to clean on a daily basis. Flies and fleas are attracted to these messy places, so keeping hutches clean will keep them away. If your rabbit lives in an area where there is a stream and lots of vegetation a fly screen on the front of the hutch is a good way to keep out the insects.
Again another man-made disease to curtail the number of wild rabbits. This is a very nasty disease which will cause bleeding and sudden death without any signs of illness. It is caused by a calicivirus and the incubation can be 3 days. The vaccine against this disease can be done by a vet after a week of the myxomatosis vaccination being done.
It may be a wise decision to research the area in which you live as to the wild rabbit population and ask you vet how often your rabbit will need vaccinating.
On a general rule, October/November is the worse time of year for these diseases to unfold, therefore any vaccinations to be done beforehand, giving time too for the antibodies to build to fight the disease will be beneficial.
Fly strike
Is a condition caused by infestation of flies laying their eggs on a dirty rabbit. A rabbit dirty around the rear can be caused by eating too many greens, or something which does not agree. A daily routine check of your pet will guarantee nothing like this happening.
There are many more rabbit related illnesses, but by keeping your pet healthy and happy you will be doing everything right to ensure they have a long problem free life.
Rabbits are very good at hiding illness, this is due to them being a prey animal, and any sign of weakness is an easy kill to a hungry predator. Keep a watchful eye and if your rabbit loses weight, goes of their food, sits at the back of the hutch, grinds their teeth, these are all signs of an unhappy bunny.