Local veterinarian warns of rabbit disease outbreak on Central Coast

Dr. Hilary Stern with Animal Hospital of Soquel issued a warning on social media about an outbreak of a disease affecting rabbits on the Central Coast.

Stern said cases of myxomatosis have been reported in Santa Cruz, Monterey, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Santa Clara counties.

She said early symptoms of the disease include red and swollen eyelids, lips, ears and genitals. She said fever is often present too. When it progresses, she said it leads to discharge from the eyes and nose and trouble breathing. She said the California strain of the virus is highly lethal.

Stern suggests bringing rabbits indoors to prevent them from contracting the virus.

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