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How is
RHD-2
different
from RHD-1?
RHD-1 and RHD-2 are related
viral infections. RHD-1 has
been present in the UK for
many years. It is sadly fatal
in 100% of animals affected
by the disease. RHD-1 has a
very rapid progression and
often infected rabbits die
without showing clinical signs.
By contrast RHD-2 is a new
disease to the UK and
progresses more slowly than
the RHD-1. It is fatal in
25-50% of affected animals.
What does
RHD-2
look
like?
RHD-1 often does not show
any clinical signs other than
sudden death. However signs
can include unusual bleeding
and seizures. The disease
progresses very quickly. It is
usually fatal.
RHD-2 however, progresses
more slowly than RHD-1.
Clinical signs can be vague
and include unusual bleeding
as well as weight loss, stopping
eating and high temperatures.
Later on in the disease process
jaundice (yellowing of the
skin and mucous membranes)
and seizures, can be seen.
This variant is only fatal in
between 25-50% of affected
animals but can cause lasting
liver failure.
How can my rabbit
catch the disease?
The disease is spread by a
virus which can survive for a
long time in the environment.
The virus can withstand
freezing and temperatures
up to 50
o
C. It is spread by
contact with infected rabbits’
bodily fluids and faeces, as
well as on clothing, bedding
and shared food bowls. It is
thought that wild foraged
plants can carry the virus from
wild animals but this has not
been proven yet. Insects and
faeces from animals that have
eaten infected tissue can also
spread the disease.
Do I still need to get
my rabbit vaccinated
with their usual
vaccines?
Yes.
The vaccine for RHD-2
does not protect your rabbit
against myxomatosis.
Myxomatosis is a very
commonly seen and usually
fatal disease of rabbits.
Sadly we see many cases of
myxomatosis in pet rabbits
every year, many of which
could be avoided by being
vaccinated.
Can my rabbit have
both vaccines together?
No.
In most cases there needs
to be a minimum period of 2
weeks between each vaccine.
How often does my
rabbit need vaccinating
against
RHD-2
?
Unlike the Nobivac Myxo-RHD-
vaccine, which is usually given
every 12 months to ensure full
protection, the Filavac vaccine
needs to be given ideally every
6 months. Your vet will be able
to advise you of the risk to pet
rabbits where you live.
small
talk
09
By
Dr Dom Byron Chance BVMedSci BVM BVS MRCVS
Bishopton Veterinary Group
If you are worried about
RHD-2 and your rabbits, or
want to know more about
vaccinations, speak to your
vet today.
As with any vaccination, neither vaccine
guarantees 100% immunity to these diseases.
However they dramatically decrease the risk
of contracting the disease and reduce the
seriousness of the infection.
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