Myxomatosis

The myxomatosis ( Kaninchenpest ) is a by Leporipoxvirus myxomatosis or myxomatosis virus, which belongs to the smallpox virus, virus -induced disease that occurs almost exclusively in domestic and wild rabbits. Hares are largely insensitive to the disease.

Transmission and distribution

The transmission of the virus is most often indirectly held by stinging, blood-sucking insects such as mosquitoes and fleas. An effective mosquito repellent is important, especially for larger stocks. An increased insect population of the vectors in warm, humid summers and in autumn leads to a high incidence of the disease in these seasons. Furthermore, the virus with the Äsung well as by direct contact from animal to animal by sniffing and mucous membrane contact can be transferred.

In the course of an epidemic cycle, at the beginning usually a highly virulent strain of the virus is and attracts a mortality rate of up to 100% by yourself, there is increasing milder or atypical course through mitigation and adaptation of the virus to the hosts. Originally from South America myxomatosis virus is widespread throughout central Europe. The North and South American rabbit species ( cottontail rabbit) show little or no symptoms and provide a natural reservoir of pathogens hares are only slightly sensitive to the myxomatosis virus. Even with high infection pressure ill than 1 % of the hares.

After Australia it was deliberately introduced to control the local rabbit population.

Clinic / symptoms

Acute course

After an incubation period of three to nine days the first symptoms occur. The rabbit seems apathetic, it shows lack of appetite and drinks little. In acute course of the disease occur swelling and inflammation in the area of the eyelids, mouth, ears, lips and genital area. After about 10 to 14 days, the disease usually ends with death.

Chronic History

In chronic course of the disease occurs frequently pustules. A cure is possible in individual cases. In some cases, the rabbit recovered ( spontaneous healing ), but the disease also carries in itself.

Treatment and prognosis

Myxomatosis for There is no specific treatment. Generally, the animal is treated with antibiotics in order to alleviate the secondary inflammation caused by bacteria. In addition, agents may be administered to cause a short-term lasting immunity in rabbits (so-called paramunity ). Depending on the virulence of the mortality rate is 20 to 100%. Preventive however, a semi- annual vaccination with a live attenuated vaccine provide protection against infection. Unvaccinated infected animals can be the pain a little decrease, by giving them eye drops and they can inhale with saline. Some animals survive without vaccination. For newly introduced into a susceptible stock rabbits a 14-day quarantine compliance and vaccination should be carried out.