I guess if you really wanted to be cautious you could have a vet do blood tests and culture sensitivity tests on the new bun (And maybe on your own buns too as they could carry something and give it to the new bun). I think when I introduced my new buns I really had no idea of the risk and ignorance is bliss as nothing happened but it certainly could-and that’s pretty scary. But I could get hit by a bus tomorrow, you really can’t control and prevent everything…so sometimes you just have to take a chance!!

There is always a risk whether you get a rabbit from a rescue or from a pet store or from a breeder. If you are afraid of a risk then I would advise don’t get another rabbit. Sure you could do a bunch of tests but what if it turns out the rabbit has something that you feel is a problem for your other rabbits? What are you going to do with the rabbit then?

i agree with Sarita, there’s always going to be a risk. i adopted Max from a “warren-like” rescue setting and i thought about the risk, but i figured if he did end up having something, we would treat as that situation arose. the joy they get from being together is worth it. in another thread, BB (i think) said something like 1 in 4 buns might carry the EC parasite, but some will never exhibit anything related to that. i’d be worried about doing a pasteurella test on this bun AT the rescue. if they do it, it comes back positive, and then you decide, “nope, i can’t take her now…” will the rescue then be required to disclose to any future people interested in her? her chances of being adopted will be decreased even further, and then what happens?

That was my fear as well.  I would hate to bring home another rabbit with an unknown history and expose Edson to something contagious.  I asked SaveABunny about this and they said you would have to run some blood tests.  Expensive and then what happens if they have something. I spent over $800 on Edson when I first got him because he drank buckets of water and we were trying to figure out the cause. It turned out to be nothing but probably psychotic drinking as he most likely did not get much water in his past.  I did not want to go thru that again! Now that I have a puppy I can’t possibly get another rabbit so I am hoping my cat will eventually bond with the rabbit which is actually happening very slowly.

That is a very tricky situation.  I understand your fear and worry.  If you do get the bunny and it has pastueralla it can be a carrier and no symptoms same as your 2.  Would they necessarily get sick if 1 had the virus? 

I am not familiar with this situation.  If I get a new bun and it has the virus and my 3 get it would they fall ill with it? Would it lie dormant til they get really stressed or something?   I really have no idea how this works.

Sometimes it is just a chance you take. 1 in 3 is pretty high to me.  I dont’ mean to be gloom and doom and play on your fear.   That is not my intent I would prefer to reassure and say you just take that chance.  And treat as it occurs.

But I do have questions and if someone could answer them I would feel better as far as having knowledge about this virus and how it is spread.