Rabbit vaccinations

Just like cats and dogs, rabbits need vaccinations to protect them against serious, potentially deadly diseases.

Myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) cause intense suffering to rabbits, which can easily be prevented by regular vaccinations.

We strongly recommend that all pet, breeding and showing rabbits are vaccinated regularly against both myxomatosis and RHD.

Vaccination is recommended for rabbits housed both outdoors and indoors (‘house rabbits’).
 

• Although separate vaccines against myxomatosis and RHD were needed in the past, there is now a single combined vaccine offering protection against both diseases.
• The single vaccines cannot be given at exactly the same time and myxomatosis boosters are needed every six months to ensure full protection. The single myxomatosis vaccine can be given from 6 weeks old, with the single RHD vaccine being given at 8 weeks (as an interval of two weeks between the separate vaccines is needed).
• The combined vaccine offers annual protection against both diseases and rabbits can be vaccinated from 5 weeks old.
• Speak to your vet for advice about the most suitable vaccination course for your individual rabbits. Your vet can also advise you about the most appropriate age to vaccinate your rabbits.
   

Prevent and protect

• The best way to protect your rabbits against myxomatosis and RHD is to get them vaccinated and ensure they have regular boosters throughout their lives, as advised by your vet.
   
• Taking steps to control insect vectors may help reduce the risk of infection. This includes deterring flies and mosquitoes (e.g. by adding insect-proof screening to outdoor housing) and ensuring that, if affected, your rabbits are treated for fleas promptly as advised by your vet. Remember to treat your home and all the pets in your household for fleas, to ensure your rabbits are fully protected. [Note: Fleas brought in by cats can infect indoor rabbits].
   
• Regularly clean and disinfect your rabbits’ enclosure, and areas your rabbits have access to, using a rabbit-safe disinfectant. Change bedding and litter materials regularly. Never use housing or bedding from infected rabbits or rabbits suspected to have/have had RHD or myxomatosis.
   
• Prevent your rabbits from having contact with wild rabbits or affected domestic rabbits. Prevent your rabbits from accessing areas where wild rabbits or affected domestic rabbits have been.
   

Myxomatosis

What is it?

Myxomatosis is caused by a virus spread by fleas, mites and biting flies such as mosquitoes. The disease is widespread in wild rabbits in the UK. The first signs of infection are usually puffy swellings around the face, ears and eyes which can become so severe that they can cause blindness. Swelling then spreads around the anus and genitals. A high fever occurs, eating and drinking becomes increasingly difficult and death usually follows within 10-14 days. Occasionally the disease is more prolonged with multiple lumps appearing all over the rabbit.

How is it spread?

As well as being spread by insect vectors (carriers) like fleas, mites and mosquitoes, the virus can also spread by direct contact between infected rabbits and can persist in the environment (e.g. in hutches).

Treatment and prognosis

Unfortunately there is no specific treatment available and even with intensive nursing, recovery is rare. Euthanasia to prevent further suffering will often be the best option for affected rabbits. Vaccinated rabbits can catch a milder form of myxomatosis and such rabbits often recover with intensive veterinary care.
 

Rabbit Haemorrhagic disease (RHD)

What is it?

RHD, also known as Viral Haemorrhagic disease (VHD), is also prevalent in the wild rabbit population in the UK. RHD is extremely serious and causes a high fever, internal bleeding and liver disease. It is almost always fatal and death occurs very rapidly. Affected pet rabbits are often found dead with bloodstained fluid at their mouth and nose, or there may be no visible signs at all (in these cases the cause of death can only be confirmed by post mortem). RHD does not affect very young rabbits (under ~6 weeks of age), but causes severe disease in rabbits older than this.

How is it spread?

RHD is spread by direct contact between rabbits (both wild and domesticated). The virus can persist in the environment for several months, meaning it can also be transmitted by indirect contact, through insect and bird carriers, as well transported on clothing, shoes and other objects.

Treatment and prognosis

There is currently no effective treatment for RHD. Prevention via regular vaccinations is essential to protect your rabbits.

 
Find out more about the importance of vaccinations from the Rabbit Awareness Week team.