This disease can spread easily by contact between infected rabbits via faeces, urine, saliva, nasal and eye secretions and mating. It can also be spread by fomites including hay, food, clothing, shoes, people, cages, equipment, dust, insects, wild birds and rodents.

In most adult rabbits the disease progresses rapidly from fever and lethargy to sudden death within 48-72 hours of infection. Death occurs due to obstruction of blood supply in vital organs and/or internal haemorrhages. RHD has a mortality rate of 70 to 90% in susceptible rabbits.

The incubation period for RHDV is between one to three days. Most rabbits will show no signs of external symptoms of RHD. The disease causes acute liver damage with resultant blood clotting abnormalities. 

To prevent this disease in pet rabbits, regular vaccination is required. Young rabbits should be vaccinated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of age, and then 6 monthly for life. If you have an older rabbit, it should be vaccinated now, with a booster 1 month later, and then 6 monthly for life. It is never too late to commence vaccinating your rabbit.

You can also help prevent exposure to your pet by avoiding direct and indirect contact between domestic and wild rabbits and by avoiding cutting grass and feeding it to rabbits if there is the risk of contamination from wild rabbits. It is also recommended that you wash your hands, with warm soapy water between handling rabbits and attempt to control insects to help reduce the risks of introduction of both RHDV and myxomatosis. Insect control could include insect proofing the hutch or keeping your rabbit indoors. 

For an appointment to have your rabbit vaccinated, give Braidwood Vet Surgery a call on 02 4842 2697