A VET has issued a warning for rabbit owners about potential myxomatosis.

The fatal disease which causes rabbits to develop skin tumors and in some cases blindness usually leads to death within two weeks.

Warrington vet Alex Chapman of Four Paws, Lingley Road, Great Sankey, said: “I have noticed a lot of wild rabbits infected with the disease while out cycling in the past few weeks. Although we have not heard of any infected pets it is highly likely that things will change in the coming weeks if rabbits are not vaccinated.”

The disease is spread incredibly easy through flies which go from one rabbit to another; however vaccinations are available and last from 6 to 12 months depending on the strength of the vaccine.