Until the fifties of the last century rabbit breeders in Europe almost did not know what is myxomatosis. But after in 1952 a pair of infected rabbits was released near Paris, this infection triumphantly began to march across our continent. In the early 80's, she began mass mowing eared pets in the USSR.
What is Myxomatosis Rabbit Disease?
The epidemic of this infectious disease is caused by the virus Poxviridae. Mortality in the economy among rabbits often reaches 90%, and this disease must be taken very seriously. It spreads respiratory way, through contact, inventory, hands. Ticks, mosquitoes, flies, lice or fleas carry it. It is almost impossible to isolate a sick animal, and the infection persists for almost seven months in insects.
Rabbit Minkomatosis - Symptoms
Only 5 or 7 days after the bite of the infected insect, the first signs of the disease appear. Serous-purulent conjunctivitis causes edema of the eyelids, often begins a runny nose and makes breathing difficult. In the genital area and on the head tumors are formed, males begin to suffer from inflammation of the testes. With the rapid course of the disease, almost always animals die and can not be treated. In another form, characteristic nodules appear on the head, ears and around the eyes, which then turn into edemas, the eyes begin to fester. Cones practically turn the head into a small ball. Sometimes these changes become reversible and after the torment the rabbit survives.
How to treat myxomatosis in rabbits?
Edema is almost impossible to cure, especially if the disease is already started. Patients are usually discarded, and carcases are burned, declaring quarantine in this area. In small private farms, they try to treat animals with antibiotics in combination with immunostimulants, but on large farms such pleasure is not profitable. Apply injections of Gamavit (2 ml), subcutaneously Fosprenil (1 ml), drinking Baytril (1 ml per 10 kg twice a day). Treat wounds with tincture of iodine and keep sick rabbits in quarantine for at least 3 months.
Vaccination of rabbits from myxomatosis
Prevention of myxomatosis in rabbits includes proper care and sanitary and hygienic measures, but this, like limiting the contact with other people's animals or people, does not always help. The main way to avoid a dangerous misfortune now is just a timely vaccination against myxomatosis in rabbits. Vaccination with strain B-82 creates stable immunity in animals for about 8-9 months. You need to spend it twice, the first time at the age of 28 days, and again in 45 days. Revaccination is carried out in three months. Already on the seventh day the drug starts to work, forming immunity. It is best to begin the annual vaccination in your household in March.