Rabbit vaccines?

[MaddieRabbits]

Hey guys.

So I did my work experience at a veterinary clinic over this past week and so many animals came in for their boosters and vaccines, they were mainly cats or dogs but it got me thinking, how about bunnies?

I did a bit of research and saw that there are 2 main vaccines for pet rabbits and those are for myxomatosis and RHD (rabbit hemorrhagic disease). I’ve never had my past rabbits vaccinated for the simple reason that I was younger and it was more of my parents’ responsibility and they said it’s not worth it as they are such small animals and they are very rarely affected by these illnesses (in our experience). However, recently I’ve been thinking is it a good idea? I was just wondering, how many of you have had your rabbits vaccinated and what are your views on it? Do people commonly tend to do it when they use them for breeding or keep their rabbits outdoors? Are there any cons to vaccinating them?

My next rabbit is going to be completely paid for by me so I no longer have to worry about my parent’s views and that is why I’m asking. I also don’t know that much about them, I know some vaccines actually cause certain animals to be temporarily ill, does this happen to the bunnies? Sorry for all the questions haha, just curious and would love to hear what people say.  Also, has anyone ever had a rabbit that suffered with either of these problems?

[Azerane]

Rabbit vaccinations depend on where you live. In the USA, they don’t recommend any vaccines as the wild cottontail rabbits don’t pass on the disease so it doesn’t spread around and infect domestic rabbits. Although there have been the odd outbreak or two at times.

In Europe and UK, rabbits should be vaccinated for both Myxomatosis, and RHDV, including the new vaccine for RHDV2 which the old vaccine doesn’t cover. I’m not sure if the new vaccine also protects against the older virus. There are a couple of different vaccines for RHDV, a combined one with myxo, and also a couple different variations, I can’t remember the names of but I think some are more likely to produce reactions than others.

In Australia, the myxomatosis vaccine is not available, neither is the new RHDV2 vaccine, however rabbits should be vaccinated for RHDV with the cylap vaccine (the only one available here). Currently in Australia, both myxomatosis and RHDV2 are spreading rapidly and are killing many domestic rabbits. Our wet winter and mild spring has led to a boom in mosquitoes and flies and encouraged the spread of both diseases. Both are terrible and should be avoided at all costs. If your rabbit gets either, it’s almost certain death. Myxomatosis is a terrible disease that the rabbit suffers through, vets recommendation euthanaisia as survival rate is very poor, and rabbits with the disease can only be given supportive care during which they can suffer quite immensly. Calicivirus is more sudden acting, the older strain tends to have symptoms, the new strain tends to have no symptoms at all, a rabbit can be fine one hour, and the next simply dead. If you live in Europe, UK, or Aus, definitely give whatever vaccine you can, especially if you keep your rabbits outdoors. My pair are indoors, but I still vaccinate them. Flies/mosquitoes can still get in the house, and RHDV/2 is quite stable on the environment and can be brought in on shoes/hay etc.

Edit: I forgot to say, the only downsides to vaccinating that I know of are the possible side-effects from the RHDV vaccine. The vaccine needs to be rubbed in thoroughly for several minutes after injection and if not reactions are often more likely. Side effects include fur loss and scabbing near injection site, in-appetite, lethargy, and sometimes fore-limb lameness which usually goes away in 24-48 hours. The only reaction I’ve ever seen in my buns is a bit of lethargy for the rest of the day.

[MaddieRabbits]

Alright, thank you so much! That was just the information I was looking for. I feel a bit more confident about it now. I know it seems a little bit silly but I was stressing over whether or not to have my bunny vaccinated when I get him because I understand that it can make them ill and with them being such small animals I wasn’t sure what people’s views would be on it. I’m in the UK so I feel it’s best that I am to have him/her done when I get my bunny, even though I do keep them indoors its better to spend a bit on an injection then know for sure that your baby is hopeless if they’re ever unlucky enough to get the diseases. Considering I like to take my bunnies outside sometimes for some dandelions etc I think it’s a really good idea.

[Azerane]

That sounds like a good plan I think some of the vaccines can’t be given at the same time and need a couple weeks spacing, so it’s best to talk to your vet about that too when you get your new little guy/girl.

[Bam]

Since you are in the UK, I’d absolutely recommend you vaccinate your bunnies. In the UK there’s myxomatosis, RVHD1 and RVHD2. The first two diseases you protect against with a combination vaccine, Nobivac myxo-RHD. (RHD is the same as RVHD, rabbit viral hemorrhagic disease. It’s also called VHD.). The second RVHD requires a different vaccine. It can be difficult to get. You want either the Spanish vaccine Cunipravac or the French vaccine Filavac. Cunivak (Germany) is not good enough.

I have vaccinated my buns yearly with the Nobivac combo vaccine. We’ve not seen any side-effects. In October, my Bam got Cunipravac as well. I haven’t seen any side effects of that either. From what I’ve read about mass-vaccinations, very few side-effects have been noted.

Here’s a Facebook group that has a map over outbreaks of these diseases in the UK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MyxomatosismapfortheUK/

Here are a few articles on the RVHD2: http://www.rabbitawareness.co.uk/2016/05/30/rvhd2-the-latest-update/

[MaddieRabbits]

Oh awesome bam! Thank you so much for the information. I’ll definitely vaccinate my bun when I get him/her now. I feel reassured and that I know more on the subject now, I’ll definitely take a look of the outbreak map, very informative. Thank you!

[Author]

Messages