Release of New Rabbit Calicivirus Strain

MPI have now approved the release of a new Rabbit Haemorrhagic Virus Disease strain nationwide this Autumn. Flies are an important transmission vector travelling long distances spreading the disease far and wide. Only a few virus particles are needed to infect a rabbit. There is no effective treatment for the disease other than vaccination.

Vaccination

• Vaccinate from 10 to 12 weeks of age
• Give 1 booster 4 weeks after the initial vaccine
• Give annual vaccination boosters

Things to do

• Control insects (especially flies and fleas)
• Removed uneaten food on a daily basis
• Keep your pet indoors where possible
• Rabbit proof your back yard
• Regularly clean equipment with 10% bleach or 10% sodium hydroxide
• Wash hands, shoes and clothing after handling other people’s rabbits
• Avoid cutting grass and feeding it to your rabbits if there is risk of contamination from wild rabbits.