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The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is one of the most important vertebrate species in Mediterranean ecosystems. In the last 60 years, the arrival of viral diseases, such as myxomatosis, has led to significant diminution of the populations of wild rabbits. The determination of biomarkers of the pro-oxidant / anti-oxidant status allows the evaluation of the existence of an environmental or infectious factor that induces a situation of stress to the animal and the ability to respond and adapt to this situation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate stress biomarkers from rabbits obtained in different capture modes and rabbits affected by myxomatosis. The results obtained do not show any difference in the plasma activities of antioxidant enzymes, myeloperoxidase activity or malondialdehyde levels depending on the different way of capturing rabbits: Ibizan dogs, ferrets or the confined group. The production of reactive species by immune cells is also unchanged. In contrast, the activities of catalase enzymes, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase are significantly lower in liver in animals affected by myxomatosis compared to healthy animals, while levels of malondialdehyde are significantly higher in diseased animals. In conclusion, the fact that no differences derived from the capture process or the control group have been observed demonstrates that the captured rabbits are in a good state of health. Rabbits affected by myxomatosis have a general decrease in antioxidant defences and an increase in oxidative damage, evidencing the seriousness of the pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]