RABBIT owners are being urged to vaccinate their pets following fears of an outbreak of the fatal disease myxomatosis.

Six rabbits have been put down at a Basildon vets in the last two weeks after contracting the virus, while a rabbit sanctuary has had three rabbits brought to its door in the past week showing signs of the disease.

In Southend, a vet had to put down four rabbits in one week.

A national pet charity has also joined the calls for vaccinations following an explosion of cases across the country.

The virus has also affected rabbits at Langdon Nature Reserve, in Langdon Hills.

The fatal disease, which has also affected rabbits at Langdon Nature Reserve, in Langdon Hills, can kill the animals within 13 days.

Laura Wood, 26, head nurse at Clayhill Veterinary Centre, in Clay Hill Road, Basildon, said: “The outbreak is more severe then last year.

“We have had rabbits come in for neutering, but they have showed signs of the illness and have had to be put down.

“In the past couple of weeks this has happened to half a dozen rabbits.

“We are stressing to owners to vaccinate every six months.

“The vaccine is a preventative measure rather than a cure and even then vaccinated rabbits can still come down with it.”

Symptoms include lumps appearing on the animal’s head and genitals.

It is spread by mosquitoes and flies and can be carried by other animals. It does not affect humans. Warm and wet weather is being blamed for the increase in cases of the disease.

Outbreaks of the disease often occur at this time of year, but this year’s outbreak is particularly bad.

Lesley Collins, manager of Warren Lodge Rabbit Rescue, in Osbourne Road, Bowers Gifford, recommended owners put net curtains in front of hutches to try to prevent the spread.

She said: “Every seven years there seems to be a cycle of really bad outbreaks and this could be it now.

“I’m expecting it to get a lot worse.”

The PDSA has reported cases of myxomatosis up 300 per cent on last year.

Its PetAid hospital, in Romford, has seen 43 cases this year, compared to just 12 last year.

Senior veterinary surgeon, Sean Wensley, said: “Rabbit owners should be aware myxomatosis is present and can cause terrible suffering if rabbits are not protected from the disease.”