Rabbit Vaccinations.
Why do we need to vaccinate?
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Annual vaccinations are needed to protect your pet from several highly infectious and potentially fatal diseases. This visit also allows us to perform a thorough clinical examination in order to pick up any concurrent issues early.
There are many viruses and bacteria that can cause illness in our pets. However, there are some that can spread rapidly through a population, can cause lifelong problems, severe illness and can even be fatal. Thankfully, their prevalence is much lower due to the availability and uptake of vaccinations. Vaccinations prepare the immune system for potential contact with these infectious agents effectively ‘teaching’ the immune system how to fight an infection. By doing this, vaccinations significantly reduce the severity of illness and the likelihood of spread if a pet does contract the disease. The prevalence of these diseases and new emerging strains are constantly being reviewed and vaccine guidance adapted to the most recent research. Therefore, we do not have a blanket approach to vaccination advice – this is instead tailored to each pet based on their lifestyle and risk factors and we are happy to discuss this at any time. The presence of maternally derived antibodies (protective antibodies passed from the mum via the placenta and colostrum in the first few hours of birth) interfere with the ability of the animal to mount its own active response to a vaccine. It is for this reason we have to time vaccinations to coincide with a reduction in these initial antibodies.
What do we vaccinate against?
Myxomatosis
Myxomatosis is a severe viral disease of rabbits. It is still commonly seen in wild rabbits in all areas of the UK and unfortunately our pet rabbits are also at risk. The main route of infection is through fleas, mosquitoes and midges that have previously bitten an infected rabbit. Direct contact with infected rabbits, especially where wild rabbits have access is also of significant concern. The most common clinical signs are swollen eyelids and genitals, discharge from the eyes, lethargy and reduced appetite. Occasionally sudden death can occur due to haemorrhage into the lungs. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this disease and is usually fatal.
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD)
RHD is an aggressive virus that targets the rabbits vital organs causing internal bleeding. Sadly, RHD is fatal in most cases with no prior warning signs. It is spread via direct contact (often wild rabbits), in the air and through insect bites.
How often do we need to vaccinate?
A combined vaccine is available for rabbits to protect against myxomatosis, RHD-1 & RHD-2. It can be given from 5 weeks of age but it is recommended to wait until they are over 7 weeks old to allow the maternally derived antibodies to decrease. A single dose is needed for the first vaccination then yearly boosters thereafter. We recommend indoor rabbits are still vaccinated.
How do I know that vaccines are safe?
In the UK, all veterinary medicines (including vaccines) have to meet rigorous safety, efficacy and quality standards which are regulated by a government agency known as the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). Serious adverse reactions to vaccines still remain extremely rare and the benefits of vaccination continue to outweigh this small risk.
Are there alternatives to vaccination?
There are no titre tests for rabbits for Myxomatosis or Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease.