breeding of rabbits

[mbc]

We've just done away with our continentals and new zealands, must of had to destroy 30 of them after an outbreak of mixy and have decided it just isnt worth the hassle now.

How often do domesticated rabbits catch mixi ?
I can imagine it to be frustrating and soul destroying if it happens.

 

[Erichalfbee]

How often do domesticated rabbits catch mixi ?

Quite often,I'm afraid.
There is a vaccine. Maybe a deal could be done for bulk? A BOGOF maybe?

 

[The Cumbrian]

Quite often,I'm afraid.

Am I right in thinking that domestic rabbits which catch Myxomatosis have been in contact with fleas from a wild rabbit? Or is there another vector that I haven't heard about.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Fleas. A from wild rabbits and B from the household cat.
Mosquitoes
Cheyletiella fur mites
Direct rabbit to rabbit infection is possible also.
Obviously indoor rabbits are much less likely to be affected.

 

[The Cumbrian]

Fleas. A from wild rabbits and B from the household cat.
Mosquitoes
Cheyletiella fur mites
Direct rabbit to rabbit infection is possible also.
Obviously indoor rabbits are much less likely to be affected.

Thank you.

 

[Shabro]

There is a vaccine but if you have a rabbit that has myxi its not really much good. We tried alsorts like quarantining rabbits and disinfecting everything, but they all got it eventually. We have a large wild population around where we kept them and its transmitted in a number of different ways even insect etc can bring it in.

 

[Ruth85]

i'm affraid the vaccine cannot be used in rabbits for meat either only domestic rabbits not entering food chain.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Ah....I didn't know that. Thanks Ruth.
So I went looking to see how the farmed rabbit in my butchers gets there.
They are battery farmed in tiers of cages and sent to slaughter at 12 weeks. Phew!
I like rabbit but only shot,wild for me in future.