PET OWNERS are being urged to watch out for an illness that is killing rabbits across Tendring District.

The Willow Animal Sanctuary in Kirby Cross has lost 5 of 13 rabbits in just a few days and owner Julie Menzies warns pet owners to be on guard and to euthanize affected animals.

Mosquitos are being blamed for spreading the mutated strain of myxomatisis that appears resistant to the multi-vaccine and is killing the rabbits.

Julie said mosquitoes bite the wild rabbits who then come into contact with domestic rabbits and the mosquitoes then jump onto domestic rabbits and infecting them.

“The first sign is lethargy the second is a swollen eye with red and swollen genitals. All of this happens within hours and leaves the rabbit very sick. It is our opinion that the rabbit should be euthanized immediately to prevent suffering,” she continued.

Julie blames mosquitos for spreading this particular virus, though it can be spread by ticks and fleas, as the rabbits at the sanctuary had already been checked for ticks and fleas.

“Routinely we clean and disinfect the cages every day and spray the rabbits with Fly Guard every month. We use fly papers in the runs and check every animal every day but we have still lost nearly 50% of our rabbit population,” she said.

The charity operator said pet owners should keep vaccinating their rabbits as there are so many other diseases the vaccine will protect.

“Since evidence suggests this is a mutated form of myxomatosis we assume it will take some time for the strain to be cultured and a new vaccine available so unfortunately it is very much a question of luck.

“We recommend you move your rabbits away from ponds. If possible take those rabbits of higher risk indoors. Act quickly when you see the first signs to prevent further suffering,” she added.