Rabbits can make amazing family pets. Their inquisitive playful nature can make them the perfect addition to a household. Much like us, rabbits are susceptible to a number of diseases which can sadly be fatal. Thankfully, vaccinations have been developed to minimise the risk of these diseases to your pet rabbit. 

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What diseases should my rabbit be vaccinated for?

Myxomatosis

This is a disease caused by a poxvirus. It is highly contagious and frequently seen in wild rabbits in the UK. It can cause severe disease in European rabbits with common symptoms; including swollen infected eyes, swollen genitals, skin disease and difficulty breathing due development of pneumonia, which eventually leads to death. Pet rabbits are also susceptible to myxomatosis. And a common route of infection is through fleas and other biting insects which transmit the disease from an infected rabbit to a non-infected rabbit. It can also be transmitted through contact with infected rabbits or contact with contaminated material known as fomites, these include bedding, feed and equipment.

Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease

Also known as RHD, VHD and RVHD, Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease is caused by a calicivirus which targets the internal organs causing severe bleeding which is often fatal. There are two types of the disease, type 1 and type 2. And in order to be protected from RHD your rabbit needs to be vaccinated for both types. RHD is common in the wild rabbit population and like Myxomatosis can be spread by biting insects including fleas and contact with infected material and infected rabbits, it can also spread via the air. 

How do vaccines work?

Vaccinations work by giving the body the tools it needs to create antibodies against a disease, without actually giving it the disease. They do this by either giving an inactivated small part of the disease in the vaccine, or by giving the blueprint of the disease. This exposure is enough to stimulate the body’s immune system to make antibodies for the disease without actually infecting it. The result of this is that when the body comes across the real disease in the future it will quickly release the antibodies it holds and protect itself from the disease. If it was exposed to the disease without being vaccinated it would not have time to create antibodies before it was severely infected; in the case of the diseases mentioned above this is likely to be rapidly fatal.

When does my rabbit need to be vaccinated?

Rabbits can be vaccinated from age 5 weeks onwards. Ideally they should be vaccinated as early as possible to have the maximum chance of protection against these diseases. How frequently your rabbit will need vaccinating will depend on a number of factors which your veterinarian will be able to explain to you; such as their age, whether they have been vaccinated before, what vaccines they have had before and what vaccines they are able to have now, but generally this can range from once to twice a year after an initial vaccination course. It is important your rabbit stays up to date with their vaccines; and has the boosters at the intervals specified by your vet. Missing a vaccine dose can result in reduced protection and increased risk of getting the disease. 

Summary:

  • Rabbits should be vaccinated to be protected against several potentially fatal diseases
  • The diseases most commonly vaccinated against in the UK rabbit population are Myxomatosis, and Type 1 and Type 2 Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease 
  • Vaccines work by helping the immune system create antibodies against the disease so it is able to defend itself should the animal become infected 
  • Rabbits must stay up to date with their vaccines, missing a dose of the vaccine can result in inadequate protection against the disease

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