Virus release: Rabbit owners urged to vaccinate pets

Miriam Wilson holds a 7-week-old Flemish Giant rabbit while Jess Reid holds a 10-month-old Flemish Giant rabbit at Pet Stock. Photo / Warren Duncan

Rabbit owners are being urged to vaccinate their pets ahead of a virus release next month.

Hawke's Bay Regional Council (HBRC) will be releasing the RHDV1-K5 strain of the rabbit calicivirus on April 23 to reduce numbers of wild rabbits on farmland.

However, it could kill pet rabbits if they are not vaccinated against it.

HBRC biosecurity manager Campbell Leckie said HBRC is contacting vets and pet shops advising them of the virus release date and encouraging them to remind customers that the vaccine will work to protect against this new strain.

However, the vaccine takes 10 to 14 days to have an effect, so owners need to check that their pet rabbits are vaccinated within the next two weeks; any that have already been vaccinated may need a booster, so check with a vet.

Pet owners need to act now to ensure their rabbits are protected, he said.

PETstock Hastings manager Craig Olsen said his store encouraged anyone purchasing a rabbit to get them vaccinated at a vet.

"Talking with breeders recently, it's something that everyone is concerned about.

"The virus is pretty easily transmitted.

"It's not a virus that just affects wild rabbits, every rabbit is susceptible."

All rabbits need a vaccination before 12 weeks, a booster at 12 weeks and then another every year.

Anna Priest, who used to run Rabbit Rescue Hawke's Bay, said it was important for owners to keep their pet rabbits up to date with vaccinations and, if possible, to keep them inside so they did not come into contact with the virus.

Mr Leckie said the virus was already widespread in New Zealand but this new strain may overcome resistance to the old disease.

RHDV1 only causes infection in the European rabbit which is designated a pest in Hawke's Bay.

Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research data states that no other animal has developed an infection from being exposed to RHDV1.

Prevention measures

In addition to vaccination, the NZ Veterinary Association also recommends the following biosecurity measures for pet rabbit owners:

• Control insects (especially flies and fleas) as much as possible both indoors and outdoors. Flies are the main vector through which the virus is spread.

• Remove uneaten food on a daily basis.

• Keep your pet rabbit indoors where possible.

• Rabbit-proof your backyard to prevent access by wild rabbits.

• Regularly decontaminate equipment and materials (e.g. cages, hutches, bowls) with either 10 per cent bleach or 10 per cent sodium hydroxide. 10 minutes contact time is required, then rinse off.

• Limit contact with and handling of unfamiliar pet rabbits.

• Use good biosecurity measures (e.g. wash hands, shoes, clothing) after handling other people's rabbits.

• Avoid cutting grass and feeding it to your rabbits if there is the risk of contamination from wild rabbits.