MOSQUITOES are mowing down Melbourne's bunnies.

A surge in mosquito numbers due to the wet weather has led to more rabbits being bitten and infected with myxomatosis, for which there is no vaccine in Australia.

Melbourne University Veterinary Hospital's Leonie Richards said most victims had been Christmas presents for children.

"It's been very sad for the children, and hard for us, because they are extremely upset to lose their new pet," Dr Richards said.

Originally published as Mozzies take a liking to bunnies