It’s Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) from 1st – 9th June, and this year’s theme is raising awareness about Rabbit Viral Haemhorragic Disease 2 (RVHD2). RVHD2 is a relatively new strain of RVHD1 and is often fatal. Whilst your rabbit’s annual booster protects against RVHD1 (and myxomatosis), RVHD2 requires a separate vaccine. If your rabbit hasn’t had this then they’re not protected against RVHD2.
What is RVHD2?
Similar to RVHD1, RVHD2 causes internal bleeding. There are often no signs your rabbit has contracted the disease until it’s too late. If symptoms are present (lethargy, fever, unresponsiveness, problems with blood clotting), they can be easy to confuse with other health conditions.
How is RVHD2 transmitted?
RVHD2 spreads very easily. As well as being passed on by contact with infected rabbits, the virus can be carried by the wind, on the soles of shoes, on clothing, on your hands, by birds … even by insects and their droppings.
Protect your rabbit
There is no cure for RVHD2. If a rabbit is diagnosed as having contracted the virus, we can only offer supportive care. Whilst some rabbits will survive, most will not. Given how easily the virus can be transmitted, vaccination is key!
Vaccinate at 387 Vets!
In support of RAW’s 2019 focus, we’re giving the RVHD2 vaccine at a reduced price of just £17 throughout June (normal price £28). You’ll receive a full health check with a vet at the same time.
If your rabbit is due their booster, please ask us about our discounted booster/ RVHD2 package to make sure your rabbit is protected against the killer diseases RVHD1, Myxomatosis and RVHD2.
And if your rabbit is up to date with all vaccinations, do pop in and take advantage of our free nurse-led rabbit health and dental checks and receive a free rabbit goodie bag too!
So much better to protect now, than wish you had later. Call 387 Vets on 01922 411755 to book.