Alarm in Vienna: Mass extinction of the rabbits - what is behind it?
Alarm in Vienna: Mass extinction of the rabbits - what is behind it?
in the Brigittenau, a district of Vienna, a worrying rabbit death causes excitement among the residents. Toten rabbits are found again and again. Recently there were ten died animals there at once, as a affected resident reports. The situation has excited the mind, especially since many people are worried about the health of their own pets.
The reports about the dead rabbits are frightened: Over 100 carcasses have been documented since the beginning of June 2025, with up to 20 new animals being found every day. The city of Vienna, represented by the veterinary office (MA60), rejects the allegations of a targeted poisoning and makes it clear that no poisoning actions are carried out against rabbits. On the other hand, residents and scientists suspect that a virus outbreak, most likely, is the fatal myxomatosis for rabbits. This plague is transmitted by insects such as gels and ticks and makes life difficult for animal husbands.myxomatosis - a dangerous viral disease
myxomatosis, a disease caused by the myxoma virus, is extremely dangerous for rabbits and can lead to the animal's death within a few days. The first symptoms that occur 4-10 days after the infection include swelling in the head and genital area, as well as inflammation of the eyelids. In the past, many remember, this disease occurred in Vienna in 1955 and at that time led to a massive decline in rabbit population. It is particularly alarming that a new genetic variant of the myxoma virus, which has so far only been proven in Spain and Germany, may be heated up the current rabbit extinction.
The virus is transmitted mainly through mosquitoes and flying, which makes prevention even more difficult. According to experts, increased hygiene and protection against insects are crucial to contain the diseases. Vaccination is currently the best way to protect rabbits from myxomatosis. Regular post -vaccinations and a clean environment are essential. Surviving rabbits also continue to exclude the pathogen, which is why a strict separation of sick and healthy animals is necessary.
Caution at the Handelskai
The myxoma virus is not dangerous for humans, but still pet owners should keep their distance from the dead animals. The situation is precarious, especially for rabbits, since a outbreak of such a plague in the neighborhood is actually equivalent to a threat. In addition, the veterinary office is reminiscent of the fact that dead rabbits can be reported to the EBSWien sewage treatment plant and the animal service.
The upcoming problem is alarming for animal owners and residents. The last major rabbit death in the region occurred in 2020 and was caused by the Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD). With the current animal situation, all eyes should be directed to the prevention measures to avoid similar tragedies.
Vienna again faces the challenge of protecting his animal population. Does the city manage to contain the spread of the myxoma virus-or do we have to adapt to other alarming reports? Time will show it.
Further information on myxomatosis can be found at Kaninchenwiese
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| Ort | Brigittenau, Wien, Österreich |
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