After treating four cases of myxomatosis, a Bristol, UK veterinary practice is urging rabbit owners to get their pets vaccinated against the illness. If unvaccinated, rabbits who contract the disease suffer immensely. Symptoms include runny eyes, which leads to conjunctivitis and blindness. Swelling and lumps also appear on the body. Most unvaccinated rabbits who contract the disease will perish.

Pet rabbits kept outdoors are more susceptible to the disease as they have a greater chance of coming in contact with wild rabbits/hares or insects such as fleas, mosquitos and mites carrying the disease.

For more info: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/bristol/somerset/7115026.stm