Your current yearly vaccination protocol covers for myxomatosis, RVHD1 and RVHD 2. You may or may not be aware that a new strain of RVHD2 that has been detected in the recent months which is highly virulent. This strain has primarily been detected in Europe (Hungary, France, Netherlands and Italy), with over 50% of the cases being confirmed as this new highly virulent strain. The presence of this new strain has not been reported in the UK, however as reported from past experience with previous strains of RVHD it is only a matter of time.
The current yearly vaccination your rabbit gets has not been tested to confirm whether it provides immunity against this new strain. Therefore, a new vaccine has been manufactured for this reason. However it means that your rabbit would now require two vaccinations a year.
In order for us to be able to offer this to our clients and their pets we would need to run a scheduled vaccination session over one morning, which we are proposing to be a Saturday. There are two reasons for this:
1) The new vaccination is currently only available as a multi dose bottle, rather than the single dose vials your rabbit would normally get.
2) The new vaccination once opened must be used within 10 hours.
What is RVHD?
‘Rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease’ can be spread by direct and indirect contact:
- Direct: coming into contact with infected and potentially unvaccinated rabbits
- Indirect: coming into contact with infected clothing, kennels, hutches, equipment
Clinical signs:
Unfortunately, the most common sign is sudden death dependent on the strain (RVHD 1 80-90% and RVHD2/variant strain 50-80%). Often there is no indication that your rabbit has been unwell until it is too late.
If they have acquired an acute or subacute form then symptoms are variable: fever, inappetance, neurological symptoms, breathing issues, jaundice, bloody nasal discharge.
Treatment:
There is not specific treatment for this disease, only supportive care for the symptoms. The most effectove way to get on top of this disease is stringent infection control measures, early vaccination in young rabbits and remaining up to date throughout their lifetime.
Frequently asked questions?
My rabbit isn’t due it’s usually vaccination until the summer, should I wait?
The short answer is no. We would advise, as would The Rabbit Welfare Association, to get your rabbits vaccinated against this new strain promptly. This vaccination cannot be given at the same time as the previous vaccination, there should be at least a 2 week period between the two.
My rabbit isn’t up to date on any of their vaccinations, what should I do?
To book an appointment with one of our vets for their vaccinations, please contact us by telephone on 01206 851338, message us on 07360541569 or book your appointment online via our website at https://www.maynevets.co.uk/.
If your vaccinations are up to date, but you would like to register your interest in the new vaccine, then please contact us at Mayne Vets, once available we will be in touch.