Hand Sanitizer

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Bill Jesse

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2010
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Location
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
As many of you might know we have been hit by a devastating rabbit disease (RHD) which is killing hundreds of feral rabbits including some already in safe sanctuaries. The disease is easily spread and as a consequence many of us are putting our rabbits in quarantine, not allowing them outdoors and not allowing visitors. We have instituted a bio hazard type of care such as leaving our street shoes and jackets outside of the bunny houses.
As I go in to the shed frequently I have to wash my hands a lot and my question is about hand sanitizers which are common almost everywhere. Is it safe to use these before going to see the rabbits? The rabbits are not being handled now but just as a safety measure.
 
Hi Bill!

The main difference between "treating" your hand with sanitizer and soap is that sanitizer "kills" bacteria, and soap "washes" them off. It's advised to use soap on your hands because it will wash away the dirt more effectively. Sanitizers kill up to 99.9% bacteria on our hands - but our skin contains more than just "bad" organisms, meaning it "kills" those good ones as well.

Most of the common sanitizers contain alcohol (ethanol), so it's definitely not good for your pet to ingest or inhale it. But, due to the high percentage of alcohol (60% and above), it evaporates very quickly. When the area treated with the sanitizer is completely dry (meaning your hands) that area is safe for your pet. There are also some alcohol-free hand sanitizers on the market, but I'm not very familiar with those or how efficient they might be.

I'm sure the hand sanitizer will do at least just as good as soap when it comes to prevention. Also, if used properly, it won't harm your rabbits.
 
Is it just the UK that has vaccinations again RHD? Surely if there is such a problem they can introduce it in other countries?
 

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