We all want the best for our rabbits, especially when it comes to keeping them healthy. So, it’s important to vaccinate your bunnies every year against Myxomatosis and two strains of Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RVHD and RVHD2).

There’s a lot of information out there about vaccinations and it can sometimes be confusing. Put simply, vaccinations are needed to:

• Protect rabbits from nasty, life-threatening diseases.
• Give peace of mind.
• Create or boost their immunity to certain diseases.
• Prevent rabbits from passing on infectious diseases.

Sadly, a lot of the diseases your rabbit can catch if they aren’t vaccinated can be fatal. Even if your rabbit catches one and recovers, they could be left with long-term problems.

Myxomatosis

This is a viral disease that can cause a variety of symptoms varying from thickened skin lumps on the eyelids, nose and head to severe swellings of the skin of the ears, lips and genitals. If affected with the severe form, unfortunately, the majority of cases are fatal.

Myxomatosis spreads via wild rabbits, mosquitos and fleas.

Vaccinated rabbits can unfortunately still catch the disease but it is usually limited to a mild form and generally they will recover.

Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RVHD)

There are 2 strains of this virus, RVHD1 and RVHD2. This virus can attack internal organs causing internal bleeding and is usually fatal. Rabbits infected with RVHD1 can show signs such as respiratory distress, fever, reduced appetite and often bleeding from the nose and is usually fatal within 2 days. RVHD2 can develop more slowly but is often fatal within 1-2 weeks. Recently, unfortunately, a more virulent strain of RVHD2 has been found, which isn’t covered by the traditional vaccine.

Both strains can be spread via direct contact from wild rabbits, on bedding, hay or clothing and via fleas and it is now thought via birds and their droppings and even on the wind. The virus is very resistant and can survive for months in the environment.

What vaccines are available?

A triple combination vaccine that protects against Myxomatosis and RHVD1 and 2, AND a new vaccine which covers the more virulent RVHD2 strain.

For complete protection RAW (Rabbit Welfare Association UK) are advising vaccination with the triple combination vaccine AND the new RVHD2 vaccine. These vaccines can be given 2-4 weeks apart.

Rabbit vaccination myths

Vaccinating your rabbits is the most important measure you can take to protect them. There are many misleading ideas surrounding your bunnies’ jabs. Here we debunk some common myths:

MYTH: Vaccinations can damage a rabbit’s health
Just like in humans a vaccination can make a pet feel a bit ‘off-colour’ for a day or two, but if you’re worried that your rabbit seems very unwell, check with your vet. Some rabbits can develop a mild case of Myxomatosis after vaccination, although this can usually be treated successfully by your vet. It’s worth bearing in mind that as a vaccine can take a week or two to become fully effective, there’s always a chance your rabbit was exposed to the disease before vaccination took place.

MYTH: House rabbits don’t need to be vaccinated
This is not true – Myxi is spread by fleas and mosquitoes, which fly indoors as well as outside, and RVHD can be carried inside on hay and vegetables, or even on your clothes or shoes. Rabbit diseases exist in both urban and rural areas, especially if there’s a wild rabbit population nearby.

MYTH: RVHD is not a common disease in the UK
Although less common than Myxomatosis, RVHD and RVHD2 are on the rise. These diseases cause internal or external bleeding, but the signs aren’t always obvious as your pet may just seem lethargic. If a rabbit dies without warning, and their owner doesn’t visit the vet, the reason for its death can go unknown. So, the incidences of RVHD in the UK could be a lot higher than we realise.

MYTH: Once a baby bunny is vaccinated, it’s immune to common diseases for life
Not true – rabbits can be vaccinated from five weeks old, and then need a booster every year for the rest of their lives.’ These vaccinations protect against the most common rabbit diseases: Myxomatosis (Myxi), RVHD and RVHD2.

MYTH: Myxomatosis vaccinations don’t always work
While a Myxomatosis vaccination can’t guarantee absolute protection, vaccinated rabbits with Myxi usually survive whereas the disease is likely to be fatal in unvaccinated ones.

MYTH: Rabbit vaccinations are more effective when they’re given in spring
Myxomatosis is most common in late summer and autumn, so it makes sense to vaccinate in spring or early summer for maximum immunity when the disease is at its peak. But rabbits can be vaccinated safely and effectively at any time of year. It’s also the perfect opportunity for a top-to-tail health check.