Rabbit Vaccines Explained

Rabbit are now a very popular pet and many are a real part of family life rather than being confined to a cage at the bottom of the garden.  One aspect of their care which is also becoming more common is regular vaccination, just as in cats and dogs.  There are two diseases which we are able to protect rabbits against, Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease.  

Myxomatosis

• The This is the commonest of the infectious diseases we see in rabbits and also the one most people have heard of.
• The virus cases a very severe upper respiratory tract infection, effectively like a really bad case of the flu.  The rabbits suffer from a thick, snotty nasal discharge and their eyes become so swollen and gunky they can't see.  They also develop a characteristic swelling of the ears and genitals.
• Myxomatosis is spread by both direct contact between rabbits and also by fleas.
• It tends to be the fleas which take the infection from the wild rabbits to the domestic kind.  They can either go directly between them, more often seen in rabbits living in rural environments, or passed by dogs or cats picking up rabbit fleas while they are out and about.
• The infections tend to cycle in severity over a few years in the wild rabbit population.  It is when there is a bad flare up amongst the wild rabbits that we see infections in pet ones.  For example, last summer I saw several pet rabbits suffering with Myxomatosis but none the year before.
• Vaccinations against Myxomatosis can be given at any time from 10 weeks of age and only a single injection is needed to give full protection.
• If a rabbit is at a low risk of catching the disease, for example an indoor rabbit or one kept with no other pets, then annual vaccination is sufficient. However, if the risk is higher, such as the rabbit being outdoors in a rural area or kept with other pets who visit the countryside, then a vaccine every 6 months is better.
• Also, if there is a local flare up of Myxomatosis and your rabbit hasn't had a vaccine in the previous six months, it is sensible to arrange one.
• In order for the vaccine to work correctly, some has to be injected into the skin (intra-dermally) while the bulk is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) as with other vaccines.  This means that your rabbit will develop a small lump in their skin after the vaccine but it will go down within a few days.
• There is no cure or effective treatment for Myxomatosis.  Infected rabbits suffer greatly and any treatment given is usually unsuccessful.  Vaccination is the only way to protect them.

Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD)

• It This is not as common as Myxomatosis but is equally as deadly.
• The virus causes rabbits to develop a high temperature, become anorexic and have nose bleeds.
• The VHD virus is spread both via direct contact between rabbits and also via indirect contact, for example on people's shoes or hands, or on bedding.
• So, both outdoor and indoor rabbits are at risk.
• Vaccination against VHD is very effective and can start from about 14 weeks of age.  Only a single injection is required to give maximum protection and boosters are given every year.
• If a rabbit is infected with VHD it will almost certainly die, which is why vaccination is so important.
• Both VHD and Myxomatosis vaccines are powerful injections, which reflects the severity of the diseases they protect against and this is why vets will separate them by at least two weeks.  Also, sometimes rabbits are a little quiet for a day or so after vaccination but they should soon bounce back.  If you are ever concerned about a pet after a vaccine, you should contact your vet for advice.

Please note, this is an advice only article.  If you have any questions or concerns about your pet, you should always contact your vet.