What do we vaccinate Rabbits against?                                

1) Myxomatosis

Symptoms - Fever; large swellings of the skin on the face, around the eyes, ears and bottom, making it difficult to see, eat and drink.

What's the risk? - Very common in wild rabbits; infectious virus, spread by blood-sucking insects, e.g. fleas, gnats and mosquitoes. Most affected rabbits die within 12 days of infection. A small percentage may survive with intensive treatmen tand care, but can be left with significant scarring.

When to vaccinate against myxomatosis - From 6 weeks of age as a single vaccine, then annually.

2) Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD)

Symptoms - Most infected rabbits die very quickly often with no warning at all, or after a very short illness due to liver disease and severe bleeding.

What's the risk? - First seen in the UK in 1992, and now widespread, VHD kills most of those infected, and any rabbit over 6 weeks of age is at risk. The virus is very persisitent and survives in the environment for a long period of time. Because of this, it can be spread on clothing, footwear, and via birds and insects, hence house rabbits may be at risk.

When to vaccinate against VHD  - Very young rabbits less than 6 weeks old are resistant to VHD. A single vaccination from 10 weeks of age with an annual booster will maintain protection.

For more general information on Rabbits, please download the fact sheet here.

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