Eurasian rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) killed by myxomatosis. Myxomatosis is a disease caused by the myxoma virus (Leporipoxvirus sp.), which only affects rabbits. It causes swelling and ulceration of their skin, eyes, lungs, liver and genitals, and is highly transmissible. Most wild and unvaccinated rabbits die within 1 to 2 weeks of contracting the disease, usually as a result of secondary infections.