Rabbit Viral haemorrhagic disease Type 1 (RVHD1) can cause sudden death in rabbits. Clinical signs of the disease can include a high temperature, depression and more characteristically, bleeding from the nose and mouth. Annual vaccination for this disease is highly recommended as unvaccinated rabbits can die within 1-2 days of contracting the disease.

Protection against this strain is provided by a yearly vaccine, which also includes protection for Myxomatosis, a virus which can also be fatal.  The combined vaccination can be given from 5 weeks old and should be given once every year.

In recent years, Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease Type 2 (RVHD2) has been of increasing concern to our Domestic rabbits; it can also result in sudden death. Frustratingly, it can be difficult to recognise any sooner than this, due to lack of other clinical signs. It is therefore highly recommended to vaccinate for RVHD2.

Until recently, a vaccine had to be imported from France in order to provide adequate cover for RVHD2. It was required every 6-12 months dependent upon the individual rabbit and risk factors. This vaccine also covered for RHVD1 resulting unavoidably in some over-vaccination. The UK now has a licensed vaccine for RVHD2 only. The vaccine can be given from 30 days old, the onset of immunity takes one week and protection lasts for 9 months. This vaccine must be given two weeks away from the combined RHVD1 and Myxomatosis vaccine.

If your rabbit has had the RHVD2 vaccine already then they are fine and will receive the new vaccination when they are next due. If your rabbit does not have RHVD2 cover and you wish to book them in for this vaccination then please phone us on 01606 880890