In the UK, it is recommended that rabbits are vaccinated against myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease. Myxomatosis can be passed from wild rabbits to pets by fleas and mosquitoes and causes severe swelling of the skin around the eyes, ears and genitals which is often fatal. Viral haemorrhagic disease is always fatal and often causes sudden death, most commonly in outdoor rabbits.
A new strain of this disease has recently been identified that can also affect indoor rabbits as it can be transferred on clothing and on the coats and feet of dogs and cats who are going outdoors and coming into contact with infected wild rabbits. Both these diseases can be prevented with six monthly to yearly injections so please contact your vet to book an appointment and make sure your bunny is protected.