1 Salisbury Road
Low Moor
Bradford
West Yorkshire
BD12 0AA
01274 679192
1 Reva Syke Road
Clayton
Bradford
West Yorkshire
BD14 6QN
01274 884800
9 Kaye Street
Heckmondwike
West Yorkshire
WF16 0JN
01924 412292
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RABBIT VACCINATIONS
Myxomatosis
This is a potentially fatal disease caused by the myxoma virus. This virus is widely distributed in the wild rabbit population. You might argue that your rabbit never comes into direct contact with animals from the wild and so does not need vaccination. The problem is that the virus is carried by rabbit fleas and mosquitoes so the disease can be passed on without direct contact. The first sign of the disease is the development of puffy eyelids and a purulent (pus-producing) conjunctivitis. Swelling under the skin extends around the eyes, ears and genital region. Lumps or nodules may also appear on the rabbit’s body. Death can occur within a few days to several weeks. Only occasionally do rabbits survive this disease, and those that do recover may take weeks or even months to do so.
Rabbits can be vaccinated against myxomatosis from 6 weeks of age
Booster vaccinations are required every 12 months
Viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD)
This is a more recent disease than myxomatosis but now has an almost world-wide distribution and is seen more and more in the UK. VHD is caused by a calicivirus and is spread via direct contact between rabbits and also contaminated surfaces such as bedding and hutches. Some rabbits die suddenly from this disease without showing any clinical signs. If there are signs they usually include high fever, lethargy and not eating. There may also be collapse, convulsions, paralysis, breathing difficulties and bleeding from the nose.
Rabbits can be vaccinated against VHD from 10 weeks of age
Booster vaccinations should be given every 12 months
