Rabbit owners are being urged to make sure their pets are properly inoculated following a suspected outbreak of myxomatosis in Gravesend.

The disease leads to a slow, painful death and treatment is usually futile for rabbits that have not been vaccinated.

Rae Todd, of the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund, said: “All pet rabbits should be given annual inoculations, but this outbreak gives added urgency to the situation.”

The news of the suspected outbreak comes during Rabbit Awareness Week, which runs until Friday.

The national campaign aims to educate rabbit lovers about the dangers of deadly diseases such as myxomatosis and the benefits of regular health checks.

Click here for more information on myxomatosis.

Has your pet rabbit been affected by the outbreak? Get in touch at jessica.bell@london.newsquest.co.uk.