In a heartbreaking turn of events, all the rabbits at the Little Farm at Tilden Regional Park met a tragic fate last month after succumbing to a viral illness. The farm, nestled in the East Bay, faced the devastating consequences of myxomatosis, a highly fatal virus that proves lethal in 99% of cases when contracted by domesticated rabbits.
The ordeal began when the farm’s seven Dutch rabbits fell ill, and despite efforts to quarantine and treat them, the disease claimed each one. Myxomatosis is transmitted through bloodsucking insects like mosquitoes and fleas and can be spread by wild rabbits.
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The grim reality unfolded when a rabbit named Jack Rabbit, a resident of Little Farm, fell ill in early November. After his condition worsened, he was euthanized, and a subsequent biopsy confirmed the presence of myxomatosis. Following this distressing discovery, the remaining six rabbits were quarantined, yet, tragically, by the end of November, the entire rabbit population of Little Farm had perished.
As a preventive measure, even those rabbits not exhibiting symptoms were euthanized, considering the high likelihood of exposure. Jenna Cassel, a naturalist at the park, expressed the profound sorrow, stating, “When we lose any of the animals, it’s really heartbreaking. They have names. We get really attached to them.”
The strain of myxomatosis identified in California leaves little chance for survival once contracted by domestic rabbits, leading to a grim prognosis. Symptoms include lethargy and swelling of the eyes, both of which were observed in Jack Rabbit.
Given that the rabbits at Little Farm reside in an outdoor enclosure, the virus likely entered through fleas or mosquitoes. The East Bay Regional Park District has not responded to inquiries about the situation.
Regrettably, there is currently no available treatment for myxomatosis once a rabbit is infected. While a vaccine exists in the United Kingdom, its availability in the United States remains pending.
The Little Farm, established in 1955 as an educational haven for families to learn about farm animals, is planning to reintroduce rabbits, accompanied by an enhanced enclosure system, after a minimum of four months.
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In the wake of this tragic loss, the community mourns, and the Little Farm looks toward rebuilding its cherished animal population.
