Here's the full textfrom the Perth Advertiser:
Deadly bug hits rabbit population
Nov 27 2007
RABBIT owners in Perth and Kinross are urged to be aware that vets have recently seen an increase in the number of pet rabbits suffering from the deadly Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) virus.
There is no cure to the distressing disease, which usually kills adult rabbits, but a vaccine is available which will protect them from VHD.
Gillian Young, head veterinary nurse at the Tay Valley Veterinary Centre in Perthâs Whitefriars Crescent, explained why rabbit owners should take action to prevent their pets getting this highly contagious disease: âBaby rabbits, under about eight weeks of age, donât get ill at all, but VHD usually kills older rabbits.
âThey may just die suddenly, with no sign of anything wrong. Or they may get very ill before dying, have difficulty breathing, go off their food, have a high temperature and bleed from the nose and bottom.â
Gillian outlined the many of ways rabbits can pick up the virus:
Food (hay, for example) or water contaminated by infected wild rabbits.
Birds or insects may bring the virus to pet rabbits on their feet or in their droppings, which rabbits may eat if they graze on the lawn.
The virus may be blown on the wind.
A dog, cat or person might accidentally bring the virus home on their feet from infected wild rabbit droppings, and vermin around rabbit hutches might bring it along too.
A rabbit owner might pick it up from other peoplesâ rabbits, for example at a show or even if a rabbit owner handles another rabbit.
Tay Valley Vets is holding vaccination clinics tomorrow and Thursday when all rabbit owners can have their pets vaccinated at a discounted price
It will also give rabbit owners the chance to discuss their animalâs health needs.
Gillian explained that rabbits are now the second most popular pet in the UK â dogs remain number one popular pet.
She said: âThe Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons announced a year or so ago that rabbits had overtaken cats in popularity, and this is reflected in the number of rabbits which are brought into the practice.â
Any owner who would like to have their rabbit vaccinated at the Tay Valley Vetsâ rabbit clinic is asked telephone the practice for an appointment or for more details on 01738 621415.