Myxomatosis is caused by the myxoma virus, a type of pox virus that only affects rabbits. It was first discovered in 1896 in Uruguay and was imported to Australia in 1951 to control its large rabbit populations - initially having the desired devastating effect. The disease was illegally introduced to France in 1952 and it appeared in Britain the following year. It quickly spread to both wild and domestic rabbit populations and within a few years had spread throughout Europe. Myxomatosis has been a threat to wild and domestic rabbits ever since.
No, only Rabbits can get myxomatosis.
Dogs and other animals cannot get myxomatosis. Only rabbits can be affected by the virus.
No. myxomatosis a viral pox specific to rabbits.
There shouldn't be a problem with reusing the cage because any future rabbits that go in the cage should be vaccinated against myxomatosis. All pet rabbits who live in areas where there's myxomatosis should be vaccinated. The vaccine is the only way to protect your rabbit against myxomatosis. Myxomatosis is spread by mosquitos and fleas: there's really no way to keep these away from your rabbit (even netting and screens aren't very effective).
Myxomatosis
Yes
Only rabbits can catch myxomatosis. Humans and other animals cannot catch it from eating the meat of an affected rabbit.
Poison, also the myxomatosis virus.
Myxomatosis cannot be treated, it is a disease which kills painfully and so it is usually kinder to euthanase the animal
The only way to prevent myxomatosis is through immunization. Myxomatosis is spread by fleas and mosquitos, and directly from rabbit to rabbit. Even indoor rabbits can't be 100% protected from mosquitos. It's highly recommended that rabbit owners have their bunnies immunized if they live somewhere there's myxomatosis. Rabbits will need booster shots every 6 or 12 months, depending on how serious the risk. The vaccine can't prevent myxomatosis 100%, but an immunized rabbit is much less likely of contracting the disease and, if it does contract it, it's much more likely that the illness will be less severe and that the rabbit will recover. Myxomatosis isn't present everywhere. Rabbits in the UK and Australia are at risk. Rabbits in Canada are not at risk and are not immunized against it.
Myxomatosis is not considered zoonotic . This condition only affects rabbits and isn't capable of affecting humans. There is no cure for this disease and death usually occurs within 8 to 15 days of infection.
Myxomatosis is spread mainly by fleas and mosquitos, so it doesn't matter how much you clean and disinfect: so long as fleas or mosquitos can get in, myxomatosis can get in. Because fleas and mosquitos can basically get in everywhere, it's recommended that people who have pet rabbits and live in an area where there's myxomatosis -- like the UK -- have their rabbits immunized (shots). Myxomatosis is not a risk everywhere: pet rabbits in Canada, for instance, do not need shots.