PET owners are being warned after some rabbits died from myxomatosis in the Liphook area last week.

Woodland Veterinary Centre issued the warning and is urging owners to have their pets vaccinated before it is too late, as the virus is extremely infectious and is widespread throughout the UK.

Christine Lacey, a senior vet nurse based at the centre’s Liphook practice said: “We have seen a few cases in the Liphook area.

“A Passfield woman had all three of her rabbits die of myxomatosis-type symptoms.

“The virus is still very much around. It is spread from wild rabbits to the domestic population. Symptoms include weepy eyes and rabbits become poorly quite quickly and they can die from it.

“If we catch it early there may be hope – but the best treatment is to vaccinate.”

The disfiguring disease is widespread throughout the UK and only affects rabbits.

It is visible by lumps (myxomata) and puffiness around the head and genitals.

It may progress to acute conjunctivitis and possibly blindness – but this also may be the first visible symptom of the disease.

Call Woodland VC on (01428) 651880.