Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease

RVHD1 and RVHD2

 

What is RVHD?

Our responsibilities

Treatment

 

What is RVHD?

Rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease (RVHD), also known as rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD), viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD), and rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD), is an extremely serious, rapidly fatal form of viral hepatitis that affects European rabbits. Both wild and domestic rabbits are affected. Most unvaccinated rabbits do not survive – infected rabbits display few or no symptoms, and the disease can kill rabbits very quickly.

There are two strains: RVHD1, which was first reported in China in 1984, and RVHD2, a more recent strain which was first reported in the UK in 2013.

How do rabbits become infected?

Both strains of RVHD are extremely contagious and can easily be spread from infected wild or domestic rabbits. Risks include:

·      Contact with an infected rabbit.

·      Droppings or urine of an infected rabbit.

·      Ingestion of contaminated food or water.

·      Bedding or hay (which has been in contact with an infected pet rabbit, or an infected wild rabbit (or droppings/urine) in the hay field).

·      Other pets (especially cats or dogs which have walked where an infected rabbit is present).

·      Human hands, clothes, shoes.

·      Vehicle tyres.

·      Birds (and droppings).

·      Insects (and droppings).

·      The wind.

Both strains survive in the environment for months, even at extreme temperatures.

Rabbits under 4 weeks old appear to be immune to RVHD1, but can be infected by RVHD2.

What are the symptoms?

RVHD1 has an incubation period of 1-4 days, whereas RVHD2 has a slightly longer incubation period of 3-9 days.

Both strains cause blood clots to form within blood vessels of the rabbit’s major organs (heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver); the blood vessels are ruptured by the clots, resulting in huge internal bleeding.

In many cases, rabbits don’t display any symptoms – they are found suddenly dead. If signs are present, they may include:

·      Bleeding from their nose, mouth, eyes, or bottom.

·      Loss of appetite.

·      Weight loss

·      Respiratory problems.

·      Fever.

·      Lethargy.

·      Spasms.

RVHD1 usually kills unvaccinated rabbits within a couple of days.

Rabbits infected with RVHD2 are much more likely to spread the disease because they live for longer with symptoms. They may not show the obvious signs of RVHD (ie. bleeding from mouth or bottom), meaning that symptoms may be misinterpreted, further increasing the risk that they will spread the disease. Occasionally, some rabbits survive RVHD2 with intensive veterinary care.

However, both strains are usually fatal – very few rabbits survive. Some are found dead with haemorrhages from their mouth and nose, but others display no signs, meaning that their owners are unlikely to realise it’s RVHD unless multiple rabbits suddenly die.

Our responsibilities

Vaccination

Vaccinating rabbits is the best way to protect them against RVHD1 and RVHD2. All rabbits, including those kept indoors, should be vaccinated. We have access to a combined vaccination for RVHD1, RVHD2, and myxomatosis, which can be given to a rabbit from five weeks of age. Vaccination is very effective against RVHD1 and RVHD2. Annual boosters are essential.

A trip to the vet might not be fun, but it’s crucial to have
annual boosters for protection against RVHD.

Other preventative measures

Additional measures should be taken to reduce the risk of RVHD:

·      Ensure any new rabbit companions are vaccinated before bringing them home – allow 3 weeks after vaccination before introducing them (most reputable rescue centres vaccinate rabbits before rehoming – another advantage of adopting rather than buying from a pet shop or breeder).

·      Disinfect any second-hand equipment bought for rabbits (if possible, check whether the owner’s rabbits were vaccinated).

·      Prevent flies from entering rabbits’ home, using nets and screens (the disease can spread through insect bites).

·      Ensure any cats or dogs are treated for fleas (fleas can carry the virus).

·      Ensure rabbits’ living space is kept clean, so flies are not attracted.

·      Take measures to prevent wild rabbits coming into proximity of pet rabbits’ living area.

·      After visiting an area where wild rabbits are present, change clothes and shoes before entering rabbits’ area (avoid areas or at least disinfect clothing and shoes if there’s an outbreak of RVHD).

·      If using a boarder for your rabbits, check that they insist rabbits are vaccinated.

·      If a rabbit is infected, the enclosure must be thoroughly disinfected before any new rabbits can enter – seek veterinary advice.

Most importantly, seek urgent veterinary care if a rabbit shows any signs of RVHD.

Treatment

There is no cure or specific treatment for RVHD1 or RVHD2.

Many rabbits die before they show any signs of the disease and are only diagnosed after their death. At most, if a rabbit displays symptoms, supportive care may be offered, including pain relief and fluids, but vets will often recommend euthanasia as the prognosis is poor.

Remember: ALL rabbits require vaccination against RVHD1 and RVHD2!