Buns and Herpes

[Desiree]

A couple years ago I read about the dangers of herpes and rabbits. I had a scare when I developed a cold sore without realizing it. Everything turned out to be ok but since I have been very aware anytime I get a cold sore to not touch or kiss my bunnies. My husband is well aware of the dangers. Up until this week he’s never had a cold sore. Today I found him looking at his mouth when I asked what was wrong he asked me to look. It was indeed a cold sore. Oozing and all. He has been kissing and touching and feeding our babies everyday with this. I am beyond upset. I am devastated. I don’t know how he could be so irresponsible or careless. I have extreme anxiety and am pregnant so I’m unable to take any meds to cope. I don’t know what to do. I am positive in my head that he killed our babies. Why isn’t there like any information on this? I want so badly to know statistics, incubation, and treatment. Is there preventive anti viral meds? How long do I need to worry? My husband is no help and I’m so angry I don’t want to look at him. Someone please help me!

[Mikey]

Unless he was slopping kissing, licking, or spitting on your rabbits nose, mouth, or eyes, they are very unlikely to have gotten it. After searching through google for a few pages, it doesnt seem that any rabbit has died from herpes that was spread to them from a human. The recorded deaths caused by herpes (which are very few on their own, by the way) in rabbits was given to them by other rabbits, not humans. If you see a blister on your rabbit, head to the vet. But, if you dont see any blisters in the next few days, the bunnies are likely fine

There is not much information because (thankfully) human viruses often do not spread to animals.

[LBJ10]

Herpes simplex (the kind that infects humans) has been documented in rabbits. It doesn’t cause lesions. It actually leads to neurological symptoms and encephalitis. It has been demonstrated that humans can infect rabbits. That being said, you also have to take into consideration how many people have cold sores. And then look at how many documented cases of rabbits getting it from their owners. There have been two. So if it were easily spread, you would think that we would be hearing about it a lot more. Why these two cases occurred, it isn’t known. Perhaps the rabbits had compromised immune systems? It’s hard to say.

So I agree with Mikey. It probably isn’t anything to be super concerned about. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to take precautions either. Hope that helps!

[Author]

Messages