Rabbits and cold sore concerns

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This topic has 5sd replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 3 years, 11 months ago by LBJ10.

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- 03/24/2022 at 4:11 PM
  henry2809
  Participant
  160 posts
  Hi everyone!
  I know that rabbits are susceptible to Herpes Simplex Virus and I am wondering how common it is for them to catch this from something like a cold sore. If somebody in my family has a cold sore and I live with them, does this pose a risk to my rabbit? For example, if I am around my family member and then I am around my rabbit, can he become sick or is this very unlikely? Has anybody had any personal experiences with this? Thanks in advance!
- 03/24/2022 at 5:05 PM
  LBJ10
  Moderator
  17224 posts
  The cold sore would actually have to make physical contact with your rabbit. Even then, it would be difficult for the rabbit to become infected. Documented cases of naturally occurring Herpes simplex in rabbits exist, but they are extremely rare. There are, however, rabbit-specific herpes viruses that are much more common.
  - 03/24/2022 at 5:13 PM
    henry2809
    Participant
    160 posts
    Okay, thank you! It sounds like it is highly unlikely for it to occur even if the rabbit owner has a cold sore, so it would be almost impossible for it to occur with indirect contact (like if a rabbit owner was in contact with somebody that did have a cold sore)?
- 03/24/2022 at 5:20 PM
  LBJ10
  Moderator
  17224 posts
  Correct. Herpes simplex is spread through direct contact.
  
  There are some herpes viruses that can spread through droplets in the air. Herpes simplex isn’t one of them. One of the rabbit-specific herpes viruses, however, can spread through the air.
  - 03/24/2022 at 5:53 PM
    henry2809
    Participant
    160 posts
    Thank you! So even if somebody does have a cold sore, it is probably okay for them to care for their rabbit if they are washing their hands first?
- 03/24/2022 at 6:24 PM
  LBJ10
  Moderator
  17224 posts
  Washing your hands first is always a good idea.
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