Rabbit Vaccinations
Since the illegal release of the calicivirus in 1997 to New Zealand which aimed to help control the feral rabbit population, this also unfortunately put our pet rabbits at risk of contracting the disease.
Calicivirus is mostly transmitted by direct contact with infected animals or contaminated objects. Birds, other mammals, and insects (commonly flies, fleas, and mosquitos) can also spread the virus. The disease can also be spread by rabbits coming into contact with virus particles that have contaminated people, clothing, food, bedding, water, cage accessories, and soil/grass etc.
There is no specific treatment for the disease and mortality rates are very high; this makes prevention crucial.
Affected rabbits may show no symptoms until sudden death within 12-36 hours of infection. However, affected rabbits may show other signs such as:
- Anorexia (not eating)
- Apathy
- Depression
- Dullness
- Nervous signs such as convulsions, ataxia (wobbliness), paralysis, opisthotonos (spasm of the muscles causing backward arching of the head, neck, and spine), and paddling.
- Groans and cries
- Respiratory signs such as dyspnoea (difficulty breathing), frothy and bloody nasal discharge, and cyanosis (bluish cast to the mucous membranes, caused by low oxygen levels in the red blood cells)
Available measures to protect your pet rabbits;
Rabbits should be vaccinated from 10-12 weeks of age for calicivirus and boosters given annually to ensure on going protection.
We also recommend the following biosecurity measures for pet rabbit owners;
- Control insects (especially flies & fleas) as much as possible both in & outdoors. Flies are the main vector for transmission
- Remove uneaten food on a daily basis
- Keep your pet rabbit indoors where possible
- Rabbit proof your backyard to prevent access by wild rabbits
- Regularly decontaminate equipment (e.g. cages, hutches, and bowls) with either 10%bleach or 10% sodium hydroxide, 10 minutes contact time is required, then thoroughly rinse off
- Limit contact with and handling of unfamiliar pet rabbits
- Use good biosecurity measures (e.g. wash hands, shoes, and clothing) after handling other people’s rabbits
- Avoid cutting grass and feeding it to your rabbits if there is a risk of contamination from wild rabbits
If you have any further questions or would like to book your rabbit's vaccination please contact us at Pet & Vet and we will happily be of service.
The Team @ Pet & Vet Milford
Since the illegal release of the calicivirus in 1997 to New Zealand which aimed to help control the feral rabbit population, this also unfortunately put our pet rabbits at risk of contracting the disease.
Calicivirus is mostly transmitted by direct contact with infected animals or contaminated objects. Birds, other mammals, and insects (commonly flies, fleas, and mosquitos) can also spread the virus. The disease can also be spread by rabbits coming into contact with virus particles that have contaminated people, clothing, food, bedding, water, cage accessories, and soil/grass etc.
There is no specific treatment for the disease and mortality rates are very high; this makes prevention crucial.
Affected rabbits may show no symptoms until sudden death within 12-36 hours of infection. However, affected rabbits may show other signs such as:
- Anorexia (not eating)
- Apathy
- Depression
- Dullness
- Nervous signs such as convulsions, ataxia (wobbliness), paralysis, opisthotonos (spasm of the muscles causing backward arching of the head, neck, and spine), and paddling.
- Groans and cries
- Respiratory signs such as dyspnoea (difficulty breathing), frothy and bloody nasal discharge, and cyanosis (bluish cast to the mucous membranes, caused by low oxygen levels in the red blood cells)
Available measures to protect your pet rabbits;
Rabbits should be vaccinated from 10-12 weeks of age for calicivirus and boosters given annually to ensure on going protection.
We also recommend the following biosecurity measures for pet rabbit owners;
- Control insects (especially flies & fleas) as much as possible both in & outdoors. Flies are the main vector for transmission
- Remove uneaten food on a daily basis
- Keep your pet rabbit indoors where possible
- Rabbit proof your backyard to prevent access by wild rabbits
- Regularly decontaminate equipment (e.g. cages, hutches, and bowls) with either 10%bleach or 10% sodium hydroxide, 10 minutes contact time is required, then thoroughly rinse off
- Limit contact with and handling of unfamiliar pet rabbits
- Use good biosecurity measures (e.g. wash hands, shoes, and clothing) after handling other people’s rabbits
- Avoid cutting grass and feeding it to your rabbits if there is a risk of contamination from wild rabbits
If you have any further questions or would like to book your rabbit's vaccination please contact us at Pet & Vet and we will happily be of service.
The Team @ Pet & Vet Milford