Part of rabbit health care includes having them vaccinated against rabbit calicivirus. Read on to learn about calicivirus and another usually fatal rabbit disease; myxomatosis.
Rabbit Calicivirus (RCV)
Pet rabbits should be vaccinated against rabbit calicivirus (RCV), a nasty disease that causes serious internal bleeding and often sudden death due to respiratory failure and heart failure. Rabbit calicivirus is also known as rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) and is different to the feline calicivirus (FCV) that is part of what causes feline respiratory disease. There is no treatment, which is why rabbit vaccinations are so important.
The virus is spread by insects, in particular, flies and mosquitoes so owners need to mosquito proof the rabbit hutch and not allow their rabbits out during times when mosquitoes are prevalent, such as early mornings and evenings
Generally rabbit vaccinations should be given at 8-10 weeks of age and require a booster 1 month later, then an annual vaccination for life. Vaccination schedules may vary from country to country and even between veterinary clinics in different areas, so owners should check with their local veterinary clinic about when to start their pet rabbit’s vaccinations.
Myxomatosis
Myxomatosis is a devastating viral infection transmitted by blood sucking parasites and insects, such as fleas, mosquitoes, ticks and lice, though most commonly via fleas and mosquitoes. Fleas can reach rabbits from dogs and cats passing through the backyard as well as from wild rabbits, so using flea control such as Advantage© on rabbits and other household pets is wise.
Mosquitoes are another common form of transmission so owners should ensure that they place mosquito netting (available from hardware stores) on their rabbit hutch and not let the rabbit have free-range playtime during times when mosquitoes are particularly active (early mornings and evenings).
Myxomatosis was introduced in Australia and Belgium in the 1950’s as a way of controlling feral rabbits, which are considered a pest. Symptoms of myxomatosis include:
- Weepy eyes
- Swelling of face and head area (lips, eyes, ears)
- Swelling of genitals
- Lesions
- Fever
- Depression
There is no treatment available and unfortunately most rabbits that contract myxomatosis will die a slow and painful death or need to be euthanized. Rabbit vaccinations for myxomatosis are available in some countries (eg: England), but unfortunately there is no vaccine available in many other countries including the USA and Australia.
For more information on basic rabbit health care read, Rabbits as Pets, which discusses rabbit hutches and feeding your rabbit, Rabbit Toys and Enrichment, which discusses enrichment for rabbits and whether you should house several rabbits together, and Common Rabbit Illnesses.
Roberta Goli - Roberta has a Bachelor of Science Degree (Zoology), has worked with animals for over 10 years and enjoys writing short stories and flash ...
