A new box was delivered to the British Bunnies household and Pepper got straight to work.
Wild rabbits don’t know what they’re missing!
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Viral Hemorrhagic Disease, which originated in China, was first reported in the UK in 1992 and is infectious to all rabbits. It is also found in Australia, New Zealand, mainland Europe and Israel. Unfortunately, this is another deadly disease that you must protect your rabbit from. A rabbit can be infected with VHD after having direct contact with a VHD infected rabbit or with a contaminated material such as an infected rabbit’s droppings. After handling an infected rabbit your clothing will also be contaminated and the virus can survive on materials for up to 105 days.
There is no cure.
The symptoms of this disease include high body temperature, tiredness, low mood, convulsions, loss of appetite, difficulties breathing and bleeding from the nose, mouth and rectum, however, in some cases there can be no symptoms at all. Death is quick, usually within 12 to 36 hours of the first symptoms.
So how can you protect your rabbit? This disease is yet another reason that many people keep their rabbits indoors and safe in an enclosed environment but we know this isn’t always possible, especially if you are caring for a number of rabbits.
After handling rabbits always wash our hands to remove any possible cross contamination. Remember, that your clothes can also be contaminated and you may need to change before handling different rabbits, it might help to have a separate outfit to wear if you are assisting in a re-homing shelter. Your shoes can also spread the virus if you have walked through a contaminated area, so make sure you remove them before you walk through your home.
Keep your rabbit’s home very clean and (as recommended in our previous post regarding myxomatosis) consider using mesh on your outdoor cage to keep insects out.
Most importantly, whether you have an indoor or outdoor bunny, you must speak to your vet about vaccinating your rabbit on a yearly basis. This can be done from as young as ten weeks of age and is an essential precaution.
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The myxomatosis virus is a terrible contagious disease that only affects rabbits and is unfortunately very difficult to treat. In most cases the most humane option to deal with an infected rabbit is euthanasia.
It was illegally introduced to the United Kingdom in 1953 as a quick and effective method to reduce the wild rabbit population and has remained in the country ever since.
The disease spreads quickly between rabbits and can also be transported by fleas, flies and mosquitoes that have fed on an infected rabbit. Symptoms include bulging eyes, localised swelling around the head, ears, face, anus and genitalia, and eventually pneumonia. These symptoms can quickly cause the rabbit to have difficulty eating and drinking and the unpleasant illness usually results in death around 12 to 14 days after infection.
As this disease is easily spread it is important to protect our pet rabbits from this dreadful illness – even indoor rabbits. In the UK it is possible to vaccinate your rabbit by injection from as young as six weeks. The vaccination should be repeated regularly to maintain the appropriate level of protection required and your vet will recommend that you return every six months to receive the greatest benefit of the vaccine.
The vaccine does not always provide 100% protection and additional precautions can be taken. Your pet rabbit should be checked regularly for any signs of fleas or mites and kept in a clean environment to avoid matted fur and the possibility of fly strike. Fine netting or screens could be used on your rabbit’s hutch to stop access for flies.
Summer is on its way and with the increasing temperatures also comes an increasing risk that your rabbit could become infected. Be kind and make sure your bunny is vaccinated and protected.
