GSPCA Helps Over 500 Rabbits with Myxomatosis as Cases Continue to Soar
The GSPCA has now helped over 500 rabbits suffering from myxomatosis so far this year, making 2026 the worst year the charity has ever seen for the devastating disease.
The animal welfare charity is continuing to receive and assist dozens of cases day and night, with the number of affected rabbits showing no signs of slowing. Today alone, the GSPCA has already reached double figures in cases.
Myxomatosis is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease which affects rabbits and is commonly spread by biting insects such as fleas and mosquitoes. The disease causes severe suffering, with symptoms including swollen eyes, breathing difficulties, lethargy and skin swellings.
The GSPCA is reminding islanders that if they find a rabbit showing signs of myxomatosis or any other serious illness or injury, they can take the animal directly to their nearest veterinary practice or bring it to the GSPCA Animal Shelter in St Andrews, where the charity can arrange onward transport and veterinary care if required.
If a poorly rabbit has been safely contained, the GSPCA's Animal Ambulance team may be able to assist with collection. However, due to the exceptionally high volume of calls and ongoing emergency workload, the charity is unfortunately unable to attend reports where the rabbit has not been contained.
The GSPCA's emergency service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with the Shelter manned around the clock. Anyone needing urgent animal welfare assistance should contact the charity's 24/7 emergency line on 257261.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said:
"Sadly, this is the worst year we have ever experienced for myxomatosis. We have now helped over 500 rabbits affected by this devastating disease, and the calls continue to come in day and night. Today alone we have already seen double figures in cases.”
"The suffering caused by myxomatosis is heartbreaking, and we would like to thank the members of the public, veterinary teams and our dedicated staff and volunteers who are helping us respond to this ongoing crisis.”
"If you find a rabbit that appears poorly, please do not leave it to suffer. If it is safe to do so, contain the rabbit and contact us on 257261, take it directly to a veterinary practice, or bring it to the GSPCA in St Andrews and we can transport it onwards for treatment if needed.”
"Because we are currently so busy responding to emergencies across the island, we are only able to send our ambulance team if the animal has already been safely contained. This allows us to help as many animals as possible and prioritise those in urgent need.”
"For rabbit owners, this outbreak is a stark reminder of how important vaccinations are. We strongly urge all owners to ensure their rabbits are fully vaccinated against myxomatosis and other serious diseases. Many of these illnesses are spread by biting insects such as fleas, and vaccination remains the best protection available.”
"Our shelter is manned 24 hours a day and our emergency line is available around the clock. If you are concerned about a rabbit or any animal in distress, please contact the GSPCA on 257261."
If you find a deceased rabbit it is important if possible to place the animal in a sealed bag and dispose of it appropriately to prevent the insects moving to other rabbits.
The GSPCA is continuing to monitor the situation closely and urges the public to remain vigilant, particularly during the warmer months when insect activity is at its highest. The charity is appealing for continued support as staff and volunteers work tirelessly to respond to the unprecedented number of wildlife and domestic animal emergencies being reported across the island.
Check out more on the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal – https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal
To donate to our work and the other animals in our care https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)
To see animals looking for new homes
https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals
To see our youtube channel and lots of videos please visit https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuernseySPCA
To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog
Upcoming events
- World Snake Day 16th July 2026
- Guinea Pig Appreciation Day 16th July 2026
- Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) 23rd – 27th July 2026
- Summer Guided Tours July/August 2026 to be confirmed
- South Show GSPCA Dog Show Saturday 8th August 2026
- West Show 12th-13th August 2026
- World Lizard Day 14th August 2026
- North Show 19th-20th August 2026
- International Dog Day 26th August 2026
- World Animal Month October 2026
- World Animal Day 4th October 2026
- Feral Cat Day 16th October 2026
- National cat Day 29th October 2026
- Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed
- Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 12th November 2026 Ref – Dog12/11
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat26/11
- Possible Christmas Themed Animal Discovery Trail November/December 2026 to be confirmed with possible Ball
- World Wildlife Conservation Day 4th December 2026
- Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed
- Sidneys Sponsored Events - Grease and Dirty Dancing Saturday 10th April 2027
Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”
“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”
“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”
“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “
“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “
“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”
"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
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