Myxomatosis (sometimes shortened to “myxi” or “myxo”) is a disease which affects rabbits and is caused by the Myxoma virus. It was first observed in Uruguay in laboratory rabbits in the late 19th century. It was introduced into Australia in 1950 in an attempt to control the rabbit population. It reached the UK in 1953, being illegally imported onto an estate in West Sussex.
Photo: Rabbit, Bury St Edmunds, 28th July 2011