Rabbits are fairly hardy animals, and many health problems are the result of poor diet, lack of cleanliness or improper handling (which may result in injuries). Viral infections are not common in our house rabbits, and are more rampant in wild rabbits and hares which can be contracted by accident. Hence, the following is an introduction to two of the most known about and fatal infections known to kill our beloved lagomorphs.
RABBIT CALICIVIRUS (RCD) & MYXOMATOSIS
Some people are unaware that rabbits can and should be vaccinated. It is very important for rabbits to be vaccinated every year for 2 diseases, Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD). These diseases are extremely serious and can be fatal if left unvaccinated.
Myxomatosis is a virus that causes an upper respiratory infection. The following are signs of Myxomatosis:
• Snotty Nose
• Sticky Eyes Discharge
• Swelling around the Head and Face especially around the Eyes
• Secondary Infection called Pasteurella (Causes Pneumonia and Conjunctivitis)
[Image from: http://members.iinet.net.au/~rabbit/Myxo2.jpg ]
This terrible virus is actually spread by fleas and biting insects. Vaccinations can be given to your rabbit at 6 weeks of age but they usually do not start until 12 weeks. If your rabbit is low risk they can be vaccinated every 12 months. Rabbits that are at high risk, such as those that live in rural areas, especially ones with a garden near their yard should be vaccinated every 6 months.
Vaccinations are generally given intra-dermally. This means that they are given in the skin rather than under the skin which is subcutaneously. Your rabbit's immune system will respond better by having the vaccination done this way. A small lump can form after the vaccination is given but it generally goes down after a day or so.
It's a sad fact that if your rabbit already has Myxomatosis, she/he may not survive. Myxomatosis can only be treated under intensive care and most rabbits do not survive it. Prevention is the best and most effective method of treatment.
"Myxomatosis-infected”
Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) is almost 100% fatal and is an extremely painful death. This virus can cause the following symptoms in your rabbit:
• High Temperature
• Refuses to Eat
• Bleed from the Nose
• Convulsions
• Breathlessness
These two diseases seem to complement each other only too well.
They almost always fatal and death occurs rapidly, within 12 – 18 hours, from respiratory and heart failure. There is no known treatment. Vaccination should be at only one dose is required at the first time, then yearly boosters are required for continuing protection.
Rabbits should be kept in mosquito proof hutches, or indoors, especially early mornings and evening when mosquitoes are most active.
Control is the best option. Keep wild rabbits away from pet rabbits to prevent the spread of the fleas, as well as practice good insect control. Keep rabbits in mosquito proof hutches or indoors, especially early mornings and evening when mosquitoes are most active and use flea control on your rabbits (Advantage) as well as other pets in the household.
Here are the links to more information on this torturing method of death:
http://members.iinet.net.au/~rabbit/rcdfaq.htm
http://www.science.org.au/nova/001/cooke.htm
http://members.iinet.net.au/~rabbit/pam.htm
