In the United States and across the world, millions of rabbits are kept as pets. Vaccination regulations for rabbits vary widely based on where you live and the disease hazards that your pet bunny may encounter. While some countries do not suggest to Immunize Rabbits, others have established regular vaccination programs to avoid disease transmission and safeguard your pet.
Do I Need To Vaccinate My Rabbit?
Rabbits require immunizations to protect them from myxomatosis, Rabbit (Viral) Haemorrhagic Disease (R(V)HD), and a strain of R(V)HD known as R(V)HD2, both of which are deadly to rabbits and give them great suffering. Let’s take a look at each one separately.
Myxomatosis
Myxomatosis is a virus carried by blood-sucking insects, including fleas, mites, and mosquitoes, that is common in wild rabbits. It can also be spread by non-Immunized Rabbits coming into contact with each other, as well as contaminated objects or the environment, including bedding, cabinets, grass, feed bowls, carriers, clothes, and shoes.
Symptoms might take up to 14 days to show. Puffy swellings around the cheeks, ears, and eyes are early indications that can lead to blindness. This frequently leads to a high temperature. Myxomatosis can sometimes last longer than expected, resulting in many lumps.
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (R(V)HD)
Rabbit (Viral) Haemorrhagic Disease is common in wild rabbits in the United Kingdom. It causes a high temperature, internal hemorrhage, and liver illness, and it’s pretty dangerous. Rabbits under the age of six weeks are not affected by the sickness, while older rabbits get severe symptoms. It spreads by rabbit-to-rabbit contact, infected objects or settings, and insects, just like myxomatosis. The illness, however, is virtually invariably deadly.
Pet rabbits with this disease are frequently discovered dead with blood-stained fluid in their mouths and noses. There may be no apparent indicators at all, with the cause of death being determined only after a post-mortem examination. Because there is no effective cure, Immunize Rabbit is required.
Rabbit (Viral) Haemorrhagic Disease 2 (R(V)HD2)
R(V)HD2 was initially discovered in France in 2010 and has been found in the United Kingdom since 2013, with verified instances reported all around the nation. Although R(V)HD2 has a lower mortality rate than R(V)HD, rapid death is typically the only symptom.
It spreads in the same manner as R(V)HD1 does, although it can afflict rabbits of all ages. There is no particular therapy for this infection, and while some rabbits can recover from it, it is often deadly. Immunize Rabbits to avoid this happening to your poor rabbit.
Conclusion
It is your obligation as the owner of a pet rabbit to ensure that you Immunize the Rabbits you own. You owe it to your bunny to keep him safe and healthy. Vaccination recommendations for rabbits, like many other small exotic pets, differ based on where you reside and what health hazards your pet may be experiencing. If you’re unsure if your rabbit need vaccinations, talk to your veterinarian about your concerns and choices.
