RVHD Outbreak

Posted: 10 December 2018 at 12:16 pm

Vets are being urged to spread the word about the importance of vaccinating rabbits following an outbreak of deadly disease that can kill in hours.

The Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) collective is calling for support to help spread the word about the importance of vaccinations following a deadly outbreak of rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease (RVHD2). RVHD2 is a fatal disease that can kill rabbits within hours, with many rabbits displaying no symptoms until it’s too late.

Rabbits who have previously been vaccinated against RHDV only will not be protected against this strain of RVHD2, so return visits to vets are being encouraged – even for rabbits who have received a primary course of vaccinations when they were young as boosters are needed to ensure immunity.

Richard Saunders is one of the UK’s leading rabbit experts and helps guide the welfare and health strategy of the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF). Dr Saunders was responsible for getting the vaccine for RHDV2 into the UK following its initial outbreak – helping to save the lives of an estimated 70,000 rabbits.