Guernsey rabbits at risk from two deadly diseases

Monday, 25 May 2026 09:10

The GSPCA is warning rabbit owners of two fatal diseases spreading through Guernsey.

Rabbit Haemorrhagic Viral Disease, variant 2 (RVHD-2) and Myxomatosis are killing hundreds of bunnies in Guernsey - both wild and domestic.

The diseases are a huge risk to unvaccinated rabbits, especially to those in outside enclosures.

They're asking all those with the pets - especially those living outside - to speak to their vets about vaccinations.

They say it's also wise that, where bunnies must be kept outside, they should be kept away from any wild rabbits that may have access to the garden.

RVHD-2 is spread by parasites, and shows up as a loss of appetite, bleeding under the skin, weight loss and bleeding from orifices.

Myxomatosis symptoms are swelling, redness and/or ulcers, nasal and eye discharge, blindness caused by eye inflammation, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, and lethargy. It is spread through fleas and tics.

The GSPCA says there is no cure for myxomatosis, it usually kills or leaves the rabbit in need of euthanasia.

But if your rabbit catches myxomatosis in a mild form because they have been vaccinated, then there is a good chance that they will make a full recovery with supportive veterinary care.

Both diseases only spread between rabbits and pose no danger to humans.

Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager said:

"If your rabbit is unwell or showing any signs or symptoms of illness we would urge you to immediately seek vet advice.

"This disease is extremely dangerous to our pet bunnies and for those rabbits living outside pet owners really need to contact their vet for advice."