Bunny owners beware; Jab warning as pets hit by deadly virus.

Byline: MARIE TURBILL

WARNINGS are going out to rabbit owners across Teesside following a surge in cases of myxomatosis.

Bridge Vets, who have surgeries in Middlesbrough, Billingham, Stockton and Hartlepool, have seen six fatal cases of the viral disease in just two weeks.

Now they are urging owners to make sure their pet's vaccinations are up to date.

Clinical director David Talbot said: "This time of year is often when we get most cases, but we don't usually see this many."

All six cases involved domestic pets.

Myxomatosis is a virus passed on by biting insects such as midgies, mosquitos and the rabbit flee. Symptoms include puffy, discharging eyes and swelling around the nose and genitalia.

David said: "There can be other symptoms but these are the thing you are most likely to see. Unfortunately it is almost inevitably fatal.

"By the time you know they have got it there is nothing that sensibly can be done. It is usually kinder to put them to sleep."

Vaccination dramatically reduces your rabbit's chances of being infected and David recommends ensuring pets don't come into contact with wild rabbits.