The Arrival, Spread and Impact of Myxomatosis in Scotland during the 1950s

Abstract

Myxomatosis is a highly infectious disease of European wild rabbits. Discovered in the 1890s, it was introduced in Australia in 1950–1 and France in 1952 for the purpose of rabbit control. The French outbreak spread across much of Europe, including most of the United Kingdom. The first Scottish outbreak, started intentionally, occurred near Durris in July 1954. By the end of that year myxomatosis was widespread. Rabbits are not native to Scotland but have been present for centuries. Though long valued for their meat and fur, by the twentieth century they were widely considered serious pests. In 1952 scientists began unsuccessful experiments with myxomatosis in the Hebrides. The history of Scotland's first outbreak is curious in several respects. Not only was the country affected earlier than much of England, owing to the extent of deliberate transmission, but also the decimation of rabbits appears to have been viewed with greater equanimity than elsewhere in Britain. Several Scottish institutions advocated deliberate transmission, as did elements of the press in Scotland; again, this contrasted with other parts of the United Kingdom. Scotland was also prominent in establishing the rabbit clearance societies that some hoped would exterminate a pest whose numbers had been slashed by myxomatosis. To the extent that Scotland was enthusiastic or open-minded about myxomatosis, the explanation probably lies in the demanding and marginal nature of much Scottish farming which meant that rabbit depredation hit Scotland particularly hard. Evidence suggests that the decline in the rabbit population provided short and medium term benefits to Scottish agriculture.