The first case in Essex of a hare suffering from a deadly disease which normally affects rabbits has been discovered near Halstead.

Myxomatosis has historically affected rabbits since 1950 after being introduced in Australia to control the spiralling rabbit population.

The disease reached the UK in 1953 and is spread by direct contact with an affected animal or from biting insects.

Rabbits usually die within 14 days of contracting the disease, developing skin tumours, blindness, fatigue and fever.

However, the disease has now spread to hares for the first time, with the first case in Essex recorded near Halstead.

Darren Tansley, of Essex Wildlife Trust, said: “Hares have suffered from an 80 per cent decline since the late 19th Century and their population is not as robust as rabbits.

“Over time many rabbits develop a resistance to the disease, however there won’t be any resistance in hares yet so this outbreak could be extremely detrimental.”

“If you see a hare acting unusually or displaying any possible signs, please send your records to Essex Wildlife Trust with a photo if possible, so the spread of this disease can be monitored”.

The disease – caused by the myxoma virus – was originally considered an effective rabbit bio-control measure, before 99 per cent of rabbits were wiped out by the disease in just three years and its deliberate use was banned.

The virus is known for its ability to mutate from year to year, but this is the first time it has jumped to another species.

The last few weeks have seen several cases of hares suffering with the disease or found dead in Suffolk and Norfolk, but now the first case in Essex has been recorded.

Essex Wildlife Trust will send all of the records through to the University of East Anglia, which is leading the research on this subject.

Hares are much larger than rabbits, and have longer ears with blacktips, and long, powerful legs.

Send information to records@essexwt.org.uk.