Are Guinea pigs prone to myxomatosis

[RedVipey]

Apologies for having to ask this old question, I just want to 100% make sure my pigs are safe.
I did see a thread here saying cavia are not effected by the disease but it was a pretty old thread, also did some research most pointing to only being an issue to rabbits but I'm still extremely paranoid.

It's currently summer and the mozzies have been pretty bad, not to mention a pet store employee explained myxomatosis is in the area and Guinea pigs are prone to it which fueled my paranoia, be absolutely distraught if they were to get sick and pass away.

Besides that is there any other diseases or viruses carried by insects I should worry about?
Thank you

 

[PigglePuggle]

As far as I can see in the scientific literature, there is no mention of cavies ever being infected by myxomatosis, not even in lab studies. Just rabbits and hares.
I'm not aware of any viruses commonly transmitted to cavies by biting flies, but a fly screen and/or mosquito net may be a sensible precaution during a time when biting flies are common just to avoid irritated bites that may get infected.

 

[Wiebke]

Apologies for having to ask this old question, I just want to 100% make sure my pigs are safe.
I did see a thread here saying cavia are not effected by the disease but it was a pretty old thread, also did some research most pointing to only being an issue to rabbits but I'm still extremely paranoid.

It's currently summer and the mozzies have been pretty bad, not to mention a pet store employee explained myxomatosis is in the area and Guinea pigs are prone to it which fueled my paranoia, be absolutely distraught if they were to get sick and pass away.

Besides that is there any other diseases or viruses carried by insects I should worry about?
Thank you

Hi!

Guinea pigs definitely cannot catch myxomatosis from rabbits (the illness is thankfully species specific to lagomorphs, i.e. rabbits and hares) but not to rodents (which include guinea pigs).
But there are some other issues that can be transmitted from rabbits to guinea pigs (fatally for cavies) in direct contact, so guinea pigs Downunder are best kept as indoors pets - especially as snakes are a real and much greater danger for outdoors guinea pigs in Australia than wild rabbits can ever be.
If you have major issues with biting insects, you may want to consider a mosquito screen or net over the cage.
Our advice follows recommendations from leading Australian Guinea Pig Rescues.


Here is our information on what you need to be aware of:
Guinea Pigs And Rabbits - Why Not
Dogs, Kennel Cough And Guinea Pigs - An Important Consideration.
Hot Weather Management, Heat Strokes and Fly Strike (flesh-laying flies like blue bottles)

Here is our link to our comprehensive New Owners practical tips and information collection, which you will hopefully find very helpful. You may want to bookmark this link, browse, read and re-read at need:
Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

 

[RedVipey]

Thank you for confirming, Thought it was the case but wanted to check because I'd hate to lose them, don't own any rabbits so they should be fine.

Don't believe we have biting flies around here but I do check the room for insects like mosquitos or spiders.

just read "hot weather management, heat strokes and fly strike" article. Our pigs live inside in the coolest room of the house (also has an aircon how lucky) so they've had some protection from the crazy temp rise we've gotten. I'll only take them outside if the conditions are good and don't keep them outside over night because of snakes and foxes on top of unpredictable weather. I have been worried since they have fleece covers they probably get hotter a lot quicker.

They are facing direct blast of the aircon so I'll def move their cage or try to make a barrier out of blankets to avoid any problems. Also our long hair pig teddy got a trim much to his dismay, although it might not hurt to go shorter.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you for confirming, Thought it was the case but wanted to check because I'd hate to lose them, don't own any rabbits so they should be fine.

Don't believe we have biting flies around here but I do check the room for insects like mosquitos or spiders.

just read "hot weather management, heat strokes and fly strike" article. Our pigs live inside in the coolest room of the house (also has an aircon how lucky) so they've had some protection from the crazy temp rise we've gotten. I'll only take them outside if the conditions are good and don't keep them outside over night because of snakes and foxes on top of unpredictable weather. I have been worried since they have fleece covers they probably get hotter a lot quicker.

They are facing direct blast of the aircon so I'll def move their cage or try to make a barrier out of blankets to avoid any problems. Also our long hair pig teddy got a trim much to his dismay, although it might not hurt to go shorter.

Putting a bottle of frozen water (not fully filled since ice expands) wrapped in a towel in their sleeping area can help. You will know when your piggies are feeling over-heated when they are plastered to any cooler surface and ressing their body against the ground. Ceramic tiles in the cage can provide a cooler surface to lie on but the air con will help. Our hot weather guide is a collection of all measures we have come across and that we have tested for safety and efficiency ourselves, so there are measures in there that work for anybody wherever they are in the world and whatever their local options.

 

[PigglePuggle]

A damp cotton sheet hung between the piggies and the aircon will increase the cooling but protect them from the air blast

 

[RedVipey]

Also have some ice packs, If I wrapped them in a towel it might be a nice way to cool off their underside?