Rabbit owners have been urged to protect their pets following an outbreak of a fatal disease in Gravesend.

Reported cases of myxomatosis, which leads to a slow and painful death, has led to an appeal for caution from the Rabbit Welfare Assoication & Fund.

Rae Todd, from the charity, said: "All pet rabbits should be given annual inoculations, but this outbreak gives added urgency to the situation.”

Treatment is usually futile for rabbits not vaccinated against the disease. For information on myxomatosis visit www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk