Myxomatosis in the UK: Why It’s No Longer Controlling Rabbit Populations
For decades, myxomatosis played a major role in controlling wild rabbit numbers across the UK. Once devastating to populations, this viral disease is now showing reduced effectiveness — and landowners are once again facing serious challenges in managing rabbit damage.
In this blog, we explore what myxomatosis is, how it affected rabbit numbers historically, and why its impact is diminishing, making active rabbit control more important than ever.
What Is Myxomatosis?
Myxomatosis is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the Myxoma virus, originally native to South America. It was introduced to the UK in the 1950s as a biological control method to reduce the soaring rabbit population.
The virus is spread by:
Fleas and mosquitoes
Direct contact between infected rabbits
Contaminated environments
Symptoms include swelling around the eyes, nose, and genitals, lethargy, respiratory issues, and eventual death. In its early days, mortality rates exceeded 90–99%, making it one of the most effective short-term biological control methods ever seen in the UK countryside.
Why Is Myxomatosis Losing Its Impact?
While the initial introduction of myxomatosis drastically reduced rabbit numbers, over time its effectiveness has declined — largely due to genetic resistance within rabbit populations.
Here’s why:
Rabbits have evolved resistance to the virus over generations
The virus itself has also mutated to less virulent strains, which may spread more easily but cause less severe illness
Vaccination of domestic rabbits has helped limit spread, but offers no population-level control in wild settings
As a result, wild rabbits are surviving infections at higher rates and continuing to breed, leading to population rebounds in many areas.
The Consequences for Landowners
With myxomatosis now less deadly and less predictable, rabbit populations are once again thriving, especially in areas with rich habitat and low predator pressure. This has real consequences for landowners and land managers:
Damage to field boundaries, archaeological features, and buildings
Loss of crops and pasture
Soil erosion and unstable ground
Loss of biodiversity in conservation areas
In some areas, rabbit numbers are now approaching pre-myxomatosis levels — making proactive control essential.
Modern Rabbit Control: A Necessary Investment
Today, managing rabbit populations requires a comprehensive, long-term strategy. Relying on natural diseases like myxomatosis is no longer a reliable option.
At Heritage Rabbit Management, we offer:
Rabbit population surveys and monitoring
Ethical warren destruction and habitat control
Rabbit-proof fencing
Ongoing population management plans
We use a humane, land-sensitive approach, tailored to farms, estates, and conservation land throughout the South West UK.
Key Takeaways
Myxomatosis is no longer a dependable form of population control
Rabbits are developing resistance, and milder virus strains are spreading
Active management is essential to protect land and reduce costly damage
Don’t wait for rabbit numbers to spiral out of control. If you’re seeing increased activity or signs of damage, now is the time to act.
Serving Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Dorset
Learn more or request a free consultation: https://www.heritagerabbitmanagement.co.uk/contact