mad-hare:

Myxomatosis in America

Myxomatosis is an endemic disease found in wild European rabbits. Rabbit owners in the UK have been aware of this for years, and in the UK pet rabbits are vaccinated against it. Myxo is mainly transmitted via mosquito bite, so outdoor rabbits are more susceptible (but as we all know it’s hard to keep mosquitoes out of your house).

Americans have not had to worry about this disease in the past, but it has now been found in America (likely due to rabbits being imported from the Europe or Australia [where it was introduced intentionally to try and reduce the wild rabbit population]). For now, it has only been seen in California, but it will likely spread across North America over the next few years.

You cannot vaccinate your rabbit against myxomatosis in America as of yet- even though this vaccine is used in the UK there is currently not enough market for drug companies to approve it here. As the disease spreads and pet owners start demanding it, it will likely become available.

Information on symptoms and diagnosis here.