Vaccination
Myxomatosis
All rabbits should be vaccinated against Myxomatosis: a heartbreaking disease, for which there is no cure.
It is transmitted by biting insects as well as rabbit fleas, so direct contact with a wild rabbit is not always necessary to contract it.
The virus causes very swollen eyelids, ear bases and genitals, eventually leading to pneumonioa, and death.
Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease
Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease is a highly contagious, and rapidly fatal disease.
Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease is an airborne virus, which can be spread by direct contact with infected rabbits.
It can also be spread by indirect contact from contaminated feeding bowls, clothes, and shoes.
Vaccines
An annual booster vaccination is essential to maintain immunity.
There is now a vaccine for Myxomatosis, RHD 1 and the new RHD 2 strain in one dose.
This means protection can be given against Myxomatosis and both variants of Viral Haemorrhagic Disease with a single injection.
The combined Myxomatosis, RHD 1 and RHD 2 vaccine can be given from 6 weeks old, but takes 2 weeks to work.