Vaccinating Your Rabbit

There are viral diseases affecting rabbits which we can protect against through vaccination. We advise that you routinely vaccinate your rabbit against Myxomatosis and Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RVHD). These vaccinations can be given from 5 weeks of age with a two week gap between the vaccines. Your rabbit will need to have an annual booster in order to maintain its immunity. 

Myxomatosis

This is a disease that affects both wild and domesticated rabbits. It is a viral disease transmitted by fleas and mosquitoes. The virus multiplies in the skin before affecting the face, ears, eyelids and anus, causing large swellings. It also affects the nervous system and in most cases is fatal.

Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RVHD)

This is a widespread disease and it kills most of those that become infected. The sudden form of the disease can be very distressing, attacking the liver and other organs, causing internal bleeding which kills the rabbit. Most infected animals die very quickly, often with no warning at all, or only after a very short period of obvious illness. The virus is particularly persistent and can survive for a long time in the environment and because of this it can be spread very easily on clothing and footwear.