Rabbit Diseases

VACCINE PREVENTABLE INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Myxomatosis

Introduction
Myxomatosis in rabbits is caused by a Poxvirus, similar to the human smallpox, and is usually spread by mosquitoes. It is a very dangerous disease and usually results in death.

Symptoms:

After a one-week incubation period, the most typical symptoms occur on the head. The symptoms include: runny eyes developing into severe conjunctivitis that results in blindness, swollen genitals, swelling in the head, thick pus discharge from the nose, swollen eyes and lumps on the body. The animal will lose their appetite, become emaciated, and, in many cases, will die.

Prevention:

A mosquito net does not provide any protection against the disease as it can occasionally be spread by fleas and other bloodthirsty arthropods, which can sometimes be introduced through the animal's food.

Protection can only be achieved by vaccination!

The disease can only be treated symptomatically and, unfortunately, usually ends in death.

Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease

Introduction:

Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is caused by Calicivirus. The pathogen, found in bodily fluids, spreads quickly and can cause a very dangerous disease, usually associated with mortality.

Symptoms:

Symptoms can be seen within 1-2 days of infection and include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, followed by sudden bloody nose and breathlessness, after which rabbits usually die.

Prevention:

Fortunately, there are vaccines available to protect against RHD. In the event of an infection, treatment should not be give and, instead, the animal should be humanely euthanized. The disease must be reported to the authorized veterinarian!

Vaccination Protocol for Indoor Rabbits or Rabbits Kept Alone:
After 6 weeks of age, the Myxovac vaccine (against Myxomatosis) should be given followed by yearly booster injections.

Vaccination Protocol for Outdoor or Multi-Rabbit Households:

After 6 weeks of age, Nobivac Myxo-RHD combined vaccine (Myxomatosis and RHD) should be given and repeated annually. The Pestorin mormyx vaccine should also be given at 4 weeks of age and repeated every 6 months.