Myxomatosis & VHD Outbreaks

Please use this thread to report any known outbreaks of either of these awful diseases stating which disease, area/county and whether it has been primarily in wild colonies or seen in pet rabbits.

Remember rabbits can now be vaccinated against both Myxomatosis and VHD in one annual jab. Both of these diseases can and will kill. It is also a good idea to flea treat your rabbit and use a product such a 'RearGuard' on those that have difficulty with personal hygiene (elderly, ill, obese, arthritic, incontinent and dental rabbits).

Please note that to keep information as quick reference as possible I delete messages and add the info to the relevant lists. For more info please seehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/MyxomatosismapfortheUK/
Cheryl

VHD Outbreaks

2015

October
Brentwood Essex

Myxomatosis Outbreaks


2015

October
Rickmansworth
Chorleywood
Milton keynes
Sandwich

From RWAF

We have been made aware of several outbreaks of Rabbit (Viral) Haemorrhagic Disease in the past 2 weeks, in the UK. These are currently being investigated by local veterinary practices and diagnostic laboratories, to determine if they are genuinely R(V)HD, and if so, whether they are caused by the standard or new variant strains of this virus.

R(V)HD is a rapid onset fatal viral disease characterised by bleeding from the nose, mouth, anus and vulva or prepuce, although sometimes death is so rapid that such signs are not seen.

There have been some supply issues recently with the only UK vaccine covering R(V)HD, however, this is back on the market now. Unfortunately, the protection offered by this against the new variant is not as good as against the original strain. It is the only protection available at the current time, and owners are strongly encouraged to keep their rabbits vaccines up to date.

Other protective measures centre around good biosecurity. The virus is very resistant in the environment, and can survive on the soles of feet, car tyres etc for weeks, to be spread from place to place. Footbaths filled with disinfectant, or a change of footwear are an effective way of preventing entry of the virus to a house or rescue centre. Clothes should be changed between handling rabbits from different places. Newly arrived rabbits should be quarantined for at least a week before mixing with others, and different clothing worn between established and new groups of rabbits.

For any further info, or to report an outbreak, please contact us on hq@rabbitwelfare.co.uk