Guernsey Press

Wild rabbit population is hit by two diseases

A COMBINATION myxomatosis and a hemorrhagic disease virus, both of which are incurable, are taking their toll on the wild rabbit population.

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GSPCA manager Steve Byrne said it has seen a big rise in wild rabbits being brought to it suffering from myxomatosis. (Picture by Cassidy Jones, 29938850)

The Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has had 295 of the animals taken to it since the start of January, the highest number in several years.

Myxomatosis is a rabbit disease that tends to sweep the island every year, causing damage to the eyes, lungs, mouth and nose, resulting in blindness and an eventual slow and painful death.

Rabbits which contract the hemorrhagic disease die quickly within hours or days of catching the virus, with symptoms including fever, lethargy and loss of appetite.

GSPCA manager Steve Byrne said the number of rabbits received had been far higher than expected.

‘It’s been an extremely busy year. We get them brought in and it’s a deadly illness, so not a lot can be done.’

The wild rabbit population on the island has grown significantly due to a wet but warm summer, meaning food resources are readily available.

As there are more rabbits, the highly contagious viruses are spread quickly and easily.

‘We have a huge surge in numbers this time of year in the more pleasant months,’ said Mr Byrne.

‘You can look at it like social distancing – because there are more rabbits the distance between them becomes less, so transmission is easier. '

Both viruses can be vaccinated against, but once it has been contracted, there is nothing that can be done to save the animal.

Owners are urged to get their pet rabbits innoculated against the viruses and to try to avoid letting domestic pets mix with wild ones.

Members of the public who spot a sick or injured rabbit are reminded that someone from the GSPCA is always on hand.

‘Anybody who sees or finds one can ring up, or there is someone on site 24 hours a day,’ said Mr Byrne.