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.An annual vaccination is available for rabbits, offering an extremely cost-efficient way to protect your pet against Myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD, also known as VHD). Both can be fatal with fairly short incubation periods. All breeds, domestic and wild rabbit can be affected. Outdoor rabbits are at a higher risk but indoor rabbits can still be affected, so vaccination is vital.

Myxomatosis causes swelling to eyes, lips, ears, anus and genitals, this becomes so severe that eating and drinking becomes more difficult and death will usually follow within 12-14 days. Transmission is by blood sucking insects like the rabbit flea and mosquitoes, and also close direct contact between rabbits. Myxomatosis is still widespread throughout the wild rabbit population.

RHD usually progresses very rapidly with few obvious clinical signs and is fatal within 36 hours. Transmission is via contact with infected rabbits or indirect contact with mechanical vectors e.g insects, birds, humans and equipment. The virus is shed in urine, faeces and respiratory secretions. There are two main strains of viral haemorrhagic disease in the UK.

We use the Nobivac Myxo-RHD+ combined annual vaccination for rabbits that will protect against both diseases which can be administered from 5 weeks of age. We offer a full health check at the time of vaccination.

Please contact the surgery for more advice or to make an appointment.