Rabbit vaccinations are a very important part of owning a rabbit. Ensuring your furry friend is up to date with their annual vaccinations is the best way of protecting them from infectious diseases. This article explores the reasons why rabbits need vaccinations and what to look out for.
Not only do rabbit vaccinations protect your bunnies from severe diseases, it stops them from passing it on to other rabbits. It’s recommended to give your rabbits their first vaccinations at around five to seven weeks old. PDSA have a useful rabbit vaccination schedule which reminds you when to book them in for a booster.
Yes! Rabbits require a booster injection every year to protect them from the three life-threatening rabbit diseases; Myxomatosis, Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease-1 and Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease-2. The vaccine was developed in 2020 and it’s called ‘Nobivac myxo-RHD plus’. It offers protection against all three diseases for 12 months within three weeks of the vaccine being administered. Find out more about each disease and the signs to look out for below.
Myxomatosis is probably the most commonly known disease is myxomatosis in rabbits. It’s a severe viral disease which isspread by fleas and mosquitoes. Both wild rabbits and indoor and outdoor pet rabbits are at risk.
Signs include:
In most cases, once myxomatosis takes hold, an unvaccinated rabbit is sadly unlikely to survive and may have to suffer for up to two weeks until they pass away. Upon diagnosis of the disease, the kindest option is to consider putting them to sleep to prevent further suffering. A vet can support you with this difficult decision. Even vaccinated rabbits can get Myxomatosis, but they will experience mild symptoms and have a much greater chance of survival.
The other disease to be aware of is Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic disease of which there are two strains known as RVHD1 and RVHD2 (Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease 1 and 2).
The primary strain in the UK was RVHD1 until a new strain appeared in 2013 and in 2015, it really took hold and RVHD2 is now one of the biggest killers in pet rabbits, and a large contributor in the decline in wild rabbits. RVHD is a very tricky to spot because it shows little symptoms other than sudden death. RVHD spores can be transferred from infected animals onto clothing, footwear, bedding etc, so it’s possible to be unknowingly in contact with it.
If your rabbit sadly passes away suddenly with no obvious reason, it is recommended to agree to have a post-mortem carried out by your vet. Positive results can then be documented to aid the tracking of the virus’ movements.
Sadly, there aren’t any warning signs prior to your rabbit passing away with RVHD, it can be very sudden. The following symptoms will be quickly followed by death.
If you need to take your rabbits to the vet for a check-up or for their vaccinations, set up a travel carrier with some hay from their accommodation along with fresh forage or vegetables. Ideally, choose a vet that specialises in rabbits to ensure a smooth visit. If possible, take a small towel for your rabbits to sit on during their visit to help them feel comfortable and secure when sitting on the table. Once they’ve had their jabs, take them straight home and leave them to settle back into their enclosure and reward them with a tasty treat.
If you have any concerns about the health of your rabbits, or have any other questions about your pet, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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