Rabbit deaths

[Geociao2011]

Hello all, I have a question which may be agricultural as opposed to wildlife related. I have found 4 dead rabbits in my garden in the last 24 hrs. They were all very young and none showed any sign of attack nor obvious desease.

We have had rabbits in the garden for many years and these are in no way the first generation of youngsters. We have watched the latest offspring running about and eating as usual, with no apparent illness. We had noticed that they seemed less timid than you would expect and we were able to walk in close proximity to them as they ate. My memory of myxamitosis is that the rabbits look grotesque and do not behave normally? We have found no dead adults, as this time.

Can anyone offer any suggestions for a cause of death or an organisation which may be interested in analysis? I realise no-one is overly concerned about rabbits, however if there is a local threat to wildlife, pets and livestock I would like to think someone would share my concern.

[Farplace]

Sounds very much like VHD (Viral haemorrhagic disease, VHD, serious infectious disease of rabbits ) It can cause sudden death in rabbits, and can be transmitted by direct contact, but also by birds, shoes, etc. There is a vaccination available for pet rabbits. it is almost always fatal.
If it IS VHD, it will not affect any other species.

[Geociao2011]

Thank you for the rapid reply, I will take any steps possible to find and eliminate the source. Thank you again.

George