09/08/2017
Pets at Home
An important message for rabbit owners.
We know that, like us, you will want to do everything you can to make sure your rabbit has a happy, safe and healthy life. So we wanted to update you with information about the disease RHD2 (sometimes referred to as VHD2 or RHDV2) which affects rabbits, and the action you can take to keep your pet safe.
What is RHD2?
RHD2 is a new variant of a virus that can cause sudden death in rabbits, often with no signs of illness. Due to vaccination, the original disease, RHD (RHD1), is now rarely seen. However in recent years the new variant, RHD2, has appeared and, unlike RHD1 which had a very high mortality rate, some rabbits infected with RHD2 may recover from the virus while others may show no signs of the disease at all. Sadly, some rabbits do die, often suddenly.
How can I tell if my rabbit has RHD2?
Signs of the infection may be vague. Your rabbit may show some weight loss, lethargy or jaundice (yellowing of the skin). However some rabbits may be infected and yet show no signs of being unwell at all. Tests of blood and faeces may confirm the infection in rabbits that are showing signs of illness, however for a rabbit that shows no obvious signs of being unwell, it may only be possible to confirm the presence of the virus after the rabbit has died.
How is the infection spread?
The virus can be spread directly through contact with an infected rabbit or indirectly through water bottles, food bowls etc. There is also a risk of RHD2 spreading to pet rabbits from outbreaks in wild rabbits. This is because the virus can be spread through the droppings of birds, foxes or flying insects that may have fed on the carcass of an infected wild rabbit. As the virus may be spread through faeces, which may soil shoes and boots, it's important to recognise that house rabbits may also be exposed if there is an outbreak in the wild rabbit population in your area.
Is there a cure?
Regrettably, as yet there is no cure. The disease can only be prevented through vaccination.
What should I do?
We recommend that you visit your vet who will be able to advise you on the vaccination requirements for your individual pet based on their local knowledge. Being registered with a vet also means they can contact you in the future for any follow up that may be advisable. There are a number of vaccines available that will protect your rabbit against common diseases. A combined vaccine against the original strain of RHD (RHD1) and Myxomatosis is widely available. Your vet can also provide a separate, single vaccine against RHD2 although this cannot be done at the same time as the combined vaccine - a period of two weeks in between the vaccinations is recommended. The RHD2 vaccine isn't as widely available as the combined vaccine as it has to be imported. Your vet will advise on the appropriate action for your pet.
What is Pets at Home doing?
We have taken steps to ensure our rabbit breeders vaccinate all their breeding stock. Our breeders are all carefully selected and audited to ensure they comply with our strict codes of conduct. We believe this is a sensible precaution to take.
We already provide vouchers for free vaccination against RHD1 and Myxomatosis with every rabbit sold or adopted from our stores. Following the identification of the new RHD2 strain, we updated the vouchers to provide advice to customers about RHD2 and the need to consult their vet for RHD2 vaccine.
We have our own team of pet experts, headed by an experienced vet who actively monitor all aspects of rabbit health and welfare and consult with independent veterinary Specialists and rabbit welfare organisations to make sure that we provide the best care for our pets and the most up-to-date advice to our customers. Nothing is more important to us that the welfare of pets and we will always take appropriate action to keep them healthy, happy and safe.
If you have any queries or concerns please speak to your vet.
Pets at Home
