Record myxomatosis outbreak hits Guernsey rabbits
Guernsey is experiencing its worst-ever outbreak of myxomatosis, a fatal disease affecting wild rabbits. Animal welfare charities are struggling to manage the high volume of infected animals and are urging the public to report sightings.
Why it matters
The outbreak highlights the impact of environmental factors like warm weather on wildlife health and the strain on local animal rescue resources.
Image caption, The GSPCA says 2026 has seen the worst rabbit disease outbreak on record in Guernsey
An outbreak of myxomatosis in Guernsey's wild rabbits is being described by an animal charity as the worst it has ever seen, with more than 500 rabbits affected since the start of the year.
GSPCA manager Steve Byrne said the number of cases had already surpassed previous bad years, including outbreaks seen in 2017 and 2023.
He said high rabbit numbers and warm weather had helped the disease spread through increased activity from biting insects, such as fleas and mosquitoes.
Symptoms include swelling and a discharge around the eyes, weight loss and lethargy. There is currently no cure once a rabbit becomes infected.
Byrne said many rabbits being found were sitting in roads, lanes, fields and on the common because they were too weak to move away.
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