Myxi Rabbit Hutch?

Question

If a rabbit has myxi and has to be put down could another rabbit have the hutch six months after without getting the virus from the cage?

Well I can afford a new one but the cage is only about 2 months old because the old hutch was breaking so we were hoping to keep it unless we have to burn it.

Answer 1

I would ask your vet. I'm not that familiar with the Myxi virus, but it sounds like one of the viruses that can be very contagious that can be brought in from Europe. A veterinarian would know the best.

For most diseases, such as a cold, etc. You can normally re-use the cage without worrying about the other rabbit getting the disease. Normally, it's good to at least clean out the cage thoroughly then let it sit vacant for a week or two. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and that will take care of a good portion of diseases that might occur in the cage. If you want to be extra thorough, soak a rag in bleach and wipe the inside of the cage out with bleach. Also make sure to do the same thing with the feeders. Then rinse and wash the pen out and allow it to dry thoroughly.

For this disease, I would definitely consult your veterinarian first.

Answer 2

The hutch would have to be throughly cleaned and disenfected, and even then there is a small risk that the myxi virus will still be there. It has been known for wild rabbits infected with the myxi virus to leave the virus on the grass they run through, and then another rabbit, months later, can pick up the virus.

If i were you, I'd burn the hutch and buy a new one. I wouldn't run the risk.

Answer 3

if you can afford it i would buy a new hutch. if you cant you want to disinfect and scald the hutch with boiling hot water do this at least twice to make sure none of the myxi virus remains,
dont use the bedding/food/feeding bowl or water bottle from the previous rabbit just get some new ones.