How do rabbits catch vhd

Book an urgent appointment with your vet if your rabbit has any of the symptoms listed above, especially if they have stopped eating. You know your rabbit best. If symptoms are severe, euthanasia putting to sleep is often the kindest option. If you have lost one of your rabbits due to RHD, their enclosure and all other items should be thrown away.

RHD can survive in the environment on bowls, water bottles, walls, grass etc. Only fully vaccinated rabbits should be allowed into their area in the future. Please note, our vets and nurses are unable to respond to questions via this form. Donate Menu. Get help. Find us. Pet Health Hub Search. Check your pet's symptoms. This means that boarding and rescue rabbits, even with up to date vaccinations, may potentially be a risk, and establishments should take suitable precautions, as should vets who may have infected rabbits brought to them for treatment.

Anything that has been touched by an unknown rabbit should be thoroughly cleaned and treated with virus killing agents. In high risk situations foot covers or foot dips may be wise measures.

Your rabbits should be vaccinated every year. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. It can last up to days at room temperature, and even longer in colder temperatures.

It is also resistant to freezing. Other animals can also unwittingly transfer the virus. Rabbits rarely survive RHD, but the ones that do can shed the virus for up to six weeks after the infection has passed. RHD can also spread through rabbit products like meat and pelts. Cages, toys, bedding, food dishes, water bottles, and other supplies can also harbor VHD for up to four months.

Viral Haemorrhagic Disease originated in Europe in the s. It came to popular attention, however, following an outbreak in China in , which killed 14 million domestic rabbits in the space of nine months. Since then, the virus that causes VHD has spread to over 40 countries, and has become endemic in the wild rabbit populations of some countries. The new virus variant, RHV-2, appeared in Europe in , and has similarly spread to different parts of the world. In some places, RHV-2 is the dominant variant.

Death often occurs within 12 to 48 hours of exposure. Infected rabbits may not die right away, however. Pay special attention to lethargy and loss of appetite, as these are symptoms of numerous serious rabbit illnesses, including GI Stasis. The only way that a diagnosis can be confirmed, however, is through an autopsy and examination of the internal organs. Because this disease is so serious and so painful, many vets will recommend putting a rabbit with VHD to sleep. However, some vets may offer supportive treatment to a rabbit with mild symptoms.

Supportive treatment may include pain relief, fluid therapy, and antibiotics to protect against secondary infections. Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease is spread through contact — not just contact with people, but also contact with birds, insects, rodents, wild rabbits, and other animals. The first and best option is to vaccinate your rabbits. In addition — not instead of — vaccination, there are several measures you can take at home to protect your rabbits from VHD.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent VHD. The vaccine against RHD is typically paired with a vaccine against Myxomatosis. Myxomatosis is another very serious rabbit virus. Your vet can give you more information about the vaccine against RHD-1, RHD-2, Myxomatosis, and any other vaccinations your rabbit may need. First, make sure the hutch is raised off the ground. If your hutch connects to a run , put your rabbits back inside the hutch in the evening, and close off access to the run.

Also, dig-proof your run. The disease presents no risk to humans. Unfortunately, in many cases sudden death may occur with no clinical signs. However, when symptoms do show one of the first signs is a high fever, as well as:. In the unfortunate event that your rabbit should die and you suspect Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease, you should inform your veterinary practise immediately.

It is important to prevent an epidemic as this virus is so highly contagious. Sadly, there is still no cure for this disease and prevention is your best option as a rabbit owner.

Rabbits that contract the disease have a low chance of surviving and even if they do, they remain carriers so need to be kept away from other animals and rabbits.

If you find that your rabbit has Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease, your vet may be able to suggest treatment, but in many cases where a rabbit is suffering they may suggest euthanasia. This will protect your rabbit and also help to prevent future outbreaks.

Vaccinations can be given from 3 months of age and they are quick and painless.