There's new threats to dogs and rabbits in Geelong, Australia: a lot of mosquitoes, a lot of grass seeds and the Pavo Virus.
The mosquitoes aid the spread of myxomatosis in rabbits. Vets at the Bellarine Animal Hospital stated, "Last year we had a few deaths but this year we are putting down six bunnies a day. The number is staggering."
Grass seeds are long sharp pointed seeds that have tiny barbs which make the seed puncture the skin and move through tissue. Once it is under the skin the body tries to eliminate it and pus forms that can swell into an abscess. Often the only time to remove the seeds is by surgery.
The Pavo virus also seems to affecting more dogs at an increasing rate.
What can you do to protect your pets?
The only option is to mosquito-proof hutches or keeping your rabbits indoors during dusk hours. However there is no way to 100% protect them. Local vets are recommending the Pavo booster for all dogs and to comb your dogs daily for grass seeds.
