PET owners are being warned after some rabbits died from myxomatosis in and around Liphook.

Woodland Veterinary Centre issued the warning and is urging owners to have their pets vaccinated before it is too late, as the virus is extremely infectious and is widespread throughout the UK.

Christine Lacey, senior vet nurse based at the centre’s Liphook practice said: “We have seen a few cases in the Liphook area recently.

“A Passfield woman had all three of her rabbits die of myxomatosis-type symptoms.

“The virus is still very much around. It is spread from wild rabbits to the domestic population.

“Symptoms include weepy eyes and rabbits become poorly quite quickly and they can die from it.

“If we catch it early there may be hope – but the best treatment is to vaccinate.”

The disfiguring disease is widespread throughout the UK and only affects rabbits.

It was deliberately introduced into Australia in 1950 in an attempt to control the wild population.

It is visible by lumps (myxomata) and puffiness around the head and genitals. It may progress to acute conjunctivitis and possibly blindness – however, this also may be the first visible symptom of the disease.

Rabbits suffering from myxomatosis become listless, lose appetite, and develop a fever.

In cases where the rabbit has little or no resistance, death may take place rapidly, often in as little as 48 hours.

The disease is spread by direct contact with an affected animal or by being bitten by fleas or mosquitoes that have fed on an infected rabbit.

The myxomatosis virus does not replicate in these insect hosts, but can be physically carried by an insect’s mouthparts, i.e. from an infected rabbit to another susceptible animal.

Myxomatosis facts:

* The myxoma virus is an extremely infectious disease with up to a 100 per cent mortality rate in acute forms.

* The virus is spread by biting flies, fleas, non biting insects, bedding and food.

* All breeds and both sexes can be affected.

* Clinical signs are swollen lips, eyelids and genitalia, watery or milky eye.discharge, lethargy, depression, anorexia, and scabs or nodular lumps on the body - commonly the ears, nose and paws.

* Chronic forms have a 50 per cent survival rate and treatment can take weeks to months.

* Vaccination is the only way to keep your rabbit protected. For some more advice regarding vaccinating your rabbit, call your vet or Woodland Veterinary Centre which has practices in Liphook, Haslemere and Midhurst.

Call the Midhurst practice on 01730 814321, Liphook on 01428 723595 or Haslemere on 01428 651880.