Hey guys, I just wanted to share some info relating to rabbit health that I've been reading up on. I remember in the middle of this year hearing about a new "version" of calicivirus in the eastern states. After a bit more reading over the past couple of days I've learned both some interesting and upsetting things.
RHDV-1 Is the rabbit haemorragic disease virus that has been in Australia for two decades. This virus is what the current annual vaccine protects against.
RHDV-2 was discovered in Australia in the last year. Apparently it is not a different strain of RHDV-1 but is a completely separate (though similar) virus, and is only named after the first virus due to death occuring in the same manner. RHDV-2 was originally discovered in Europe in 2010.
The current vaccine DOES NOT fully protect against RHDV-2. Rabbits may be protected, and they may not. However vaccinated rabbits do stand a much higher chance of survival. Vaccine frequencies have recommended increases for breeding does (every 6 months), and for kits to be vaccinated as early as 4 weeks, followed by a booster at 12 weeks.
This means that owners of outdoor rabbits need to be even more vigilant in protection from mosquito bites and also preventing cross contamination from walking in affected areas. It's also important to keep on top of annual vaccinations, and is probably worthwhile to have them done at 10 month intervals instead of 12.
The new virus has been found in Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT.
Further reading:
http://www.pestsmart.org.au/the-arr...ns-for-current-rabbit-biocontrol-initiatives/
http://www.begadistrictnews.com.au/story/3487939/rabbit-calicivirus-strikes-pests-and-pets/
http://www.ava.com.au/node/66084
RHDV-1 Is the rabbit haemorragic disease virus that has been in Australia for two decades. This virus is what the current annual vaccine protects against.
RHDV-2 was discovered in Australia in the last year. Apparently it is not a different strain of RHDV-1 but is a completely separate (though similar) virus, and is only named after the first virus due to death occuring in the same manner. RHDV-2 was originally discovered in Europe in 2010.
The current vaccine DOES NOT fully protect against RHDV-2. Rabbits may be protected, and they may not. However vaccinated rabbits do stand a much higher chance of survival. Vaccine frequencies have recommended increases for breeding does (every 6 months), and for kits to be vaccinated as early as 4 weeks, followed by a booster at 12 weeks.
This means that owners of outdoor rabbits need to be even more vigilant in protection from mosquito bites and also preventing cross contamination from walking in affected areas. It's also important to keep on top of annual vaccinations, and is probably worthwhile to have them done at 10 month intervals instead of 12.
The new virus has been found in Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT.
Further reading:
http://www.pestsmart.org.au/the-arr...ns-for-current-rabbit-biocontrol-initiatives/
http://www.begadistrictnews.com.au/story/3487939/rabbit-calicivirus-strikes-pests-and-pets/
http://www.ava.com.au/node/66084