Rabbit Vaccination Against Myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease

by Rosie Theakston

Yearly  vaccination is recommended for all rabbits against myxomatosis and  Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease

Myxomatosis is a disease of rabbits caused by a pox virus. It is relatively common in the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculi) population in the UK and is almost always fatal. The virus is most commonly spread by insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, flies and mites but infection by contact between rabbits and contact with fomites such as hay, bedding and clothing can also occur. The most commonly reported clinical signs are: swellings of the eyelids and genitals, white ocular discharge, pyrexia, lethargy and anorexia. Rabbits showing such signs will usually die within 14 days – often from secondary bacterial infections due to immunosuppression. Due to the poor prognosis euthanasia of these rabbits on humane grounds is recommended.

Vaccinated rabbits may still become infected but are generally affected with only affected with skin lesions and can recover.

Vaccination is recommended from 5 weeks of age and repeated annually. Potential exposure to fleas, flies and mosquitos means both indoor and outdoor rabbits are at risk. Risk can also be reduced with appropriate use of licensed flea treatment, fly repellent and mosquito nets. Eliminating areas of stagnant water where mosquitos breed may also be helpful.

Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease

 RHD (also known as VHD) is a calicivirus which are very stable in the environment. The virus is passed on through direct contact or on fomites such as bedding, hay and clothing. It can be transmitted via insects such as fleas and birds may also play a role in viral spread to new areas. There are two recognised serovars of haemorrhagic viral disease.

 RHD-1 causes fatal disease in rabbits over 6 weeks of age. Clinical signs may range from respiratory distress, lethargy and anorexia to seizures and sudden death. It is usually fatal but a small number of rabbits can recover from the initial infection (5-10%) only to develop lethargy, jaundice and anorexia an die from severe inflammation of the liver a few weeks later.

RHD-2 has traditionally been seen as a slightly milder form, younger rabbits are more susceptible and some rabbits can survive infection with intense supportive care. In 2024 a new more virulent strain of RHD-2 has emerged in Europe. It is not yet known if this strain is present in the UK

Vaccination is recommended for all rabbits (as it can be spread through contact with clothing and other fomites as well as by insects) from 5 weeks of age and repeated annually.

Acorn House currently uses a single vaccination which gives protection and reduced mortality from Myxomatosis, RHD -1 and the original strains of RHD-2. The vaccine stimulates immunity to a protein in the capsule of the RHD virus which is expected to be present in all strains so the manufacturer expects the vaccine to offer protection against the new more virulent European strain of RHD-2 but it does not currently have any data to support this.

A new vaccine which has been shown to offer protection against RHD 1 and RHD-2 including the new virulent RHD -2 strain is licensed in the UK. Current thinking is that it would need to be given in addition to and at least 2 weeks apart from the current combined myxomatosis vaccine. This vaccine is currently of very limited availability in the UK but we are keeping an eye on supply issues.

Please ensure your rabbit vaccines are up to date.

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