Myxomatosis: A Deadly Threat to SF Bay Area Rabbits
Last month, a devastating outbreak of Myxomatosis struck the Tilden Park Little Farm in Berkeley, California, leaving the beloved rabbits of the farm at risk. Myxomatosis, a viral illness endemic to a narrow strip of the U.S. ranging from Oregon down the California Coast to Baja, has a 99% mortality rate for domesticated rabbits. This analytical narrative explores the nature of Myxomatosis, its impact on domestic animals, and the risks it poses to the San Francisco Bay Area rabbit population.
When a Dutch rabbit at the Tilden Park Little Farm started showing strange symptoms, including loss of appetite and swollen eyes, the staff became alarmed. The diagnosis revealed that the rabbit had contracted Myxomatosis, a highly contagious and deadly disease. The infected rabbits experience swollen eyes and genitalia, ulcers, and fever and eventually succumb to the virus.
Wild cottontail rabbits primarily carry Myxomatosis, and infections occur where domestic and wild rabbits coexist. The rabbits at Tilden Park’s Little Farm, kept in an enclosure outside, were likely infected by fleas or mosquitos. The virus spreads rapidly, making it difficult to contain and control. Unfortunately, the mortality rate for domestic rabbits infected with Myxomatosis is alarmingly high.
While Myxomatosis has been present in the Bay Area for decades, its spread remains a mystery. Veterinarians and experts are still trying to understand its patterns and how it moves from one location to another. The virus has caused flare-ups in various regions, including Davis, Los Angeles, and Oregon. However, its recent outbreak at Tilden Park’s Little Farm suggests that Myxomatosis was previously rare in Berkeley.
One of the challenges in combating Myxomatosis is the need for more awareness among veterinarians and rabbit owners. Many must become more familiar with the disease, leading to missed diagnoses. Additionally, while a vaccine exists in Europe, no vaccine is available in the United States. This lack of preventive measures further increases the risks for domestic rabbits.
The loss of rabbits at Tilden Park’s Little Farm has devastated the staff and visitors. The farm, established in the 1950s to educate city children about farm animals, has always been a popular attraction during the holiday season. Rabbits have been a significant draw, providing children with their first tactile experience with these adorable creatures. The absence of rabbits has left a void in the program, and the farm is now contemplating whether it can safely reintroduce rabbits in the future.
Families with rabbits are urged to take extra precautions to prevent further outbreaks. While the farm plans to wait at least four months before introducing new rabbits, they are also researching new housing methods to ensure the safety of the animals. The return of rabbits to Tilden Park’s Little Farm is uncertain, and it will take time to evaluate the risks and make informed decisions.
The recent outbreak of Myxomatosis at Tilden Park’s Little Farm highlights the grave risks this viral disease poses to domestic rabbits in the San Francisco Bay Area. With its high mortality rate and rapid spread, Myxomatosis has left a void in the hearts of farm staff and visitors alike. The lack of awareness and preventive measures further exacerbate the challenges in combating this enigmatic virus. As we move forward, it is crucial to prioritize research, education, and the development of effective vaccines to protect our beloved domestic rabbits from the devastating effects of Myxomatosis.
