Insect bites on rabbits.

Question
Hello,
I have 2 month old rabbits and recently discovered that 2 of the 7 rabbits have red like swallon bumps around the eyes and even near the ear.I have done some research and have found that these may be mosquito bites and is incurable. The diagnosis seems accurate as we have had rather humid days where many insects are present.

I have separated the 2 from the rest of the rabbits, and I see that the other 5 do not have the symptoms. I fear that the others may already have it. What I would like to know, is whether there is something that I can do to prevent it from spreading or even cure it.
Thankyou.

Answer
Dear Beatrice,

These do not sound like insect bites.  They sound more like myxomatosis, a deadly viral disease now endemic to Australia, as it was imported to control feral rabbit populations.

Please get your bunnies to a good rabbit vet immediately.  There is only one treatment that might work:  Equimune IV.  Supportive care is critical, and treatment must be begun immediately if this is myxomatosis, or the rabbits will not survive.

Please find a vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope it is not too late.  Protect the rest of your bunnies by bringing them inside where they cannot be bitten by the vectors: biting insects.

Dana