Dr Gregory Wright
DVM, BSc.
Calicivirus or Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV1) is a highly infectious and often fatal disease that affects wild and domestic rabbits. In 1996 the virus was released in Australia to control the feral rabbit population, and was highly effective. Prior to release of the virus, and as a requirement to do so, a vaccine became available to protect our domestic rabbit population.
As some of you may be aware there is a planned release of a variant of the calicivirus called K5, which is planned for autumn 2016. The original strain released in 1996 has become less effective over time and it is hoped that the K5 variant will boost the impact of current rabbit control methods. Prior to being used in wild rabbit control the NSW Department of Primary Industries examined the current vaccine for its effectiveness against this new strain. Thankfully all the rabbits vaccinated with the current vaccination survived infection with K5.
Our recommendations are in line with that of the Australian Veterinary Association; they recommended that domestic rabbits are vaccinated at 12 weeks of age, and then given a health check and booster annually. In the face of an outbreak it is recommended that kittens be vaccinated at 4 weeks, followed by a booster at 12 weeks and yearly vaccinations.
For more information see the petsmart website
DVM, BSc.
Calicivirus or Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV1) is a highly infectious and often fatal disease that affects wild and domestic rabbits. In 1996 the virus was released in Australia to control the feral rabbit population, and was highly effective. Prior to release of the virus, and as a requirement to do so, a vaccine became available to protect our domestic rabbit population.
As some of you may be aware there is a planned release of a variant of the calicivirus called K5, which is planned for autumn 2016. The original strain released in 1996 has become less effective over time and it is hoped that the K5 variant will boost the impact of current rabbit control methods. Prior to being used in wild rabbit control the NSW Department of Primary Industries examined the current vaccine for its effectiveness against this new strain. Thankfully all the rabbits vaccinated with the current vaccination survived infection with K5.
Our recommendations are in line with that of the Australian Veterinary Association; they recommended that domestic rabbits are vaccinated at 12 weeks of age, and then given a health check and booster annually. In the face of an outbreak it is recommended that kittens be vaccinated at 4 weeks, followed by a booster at 12 weeks and yearly vaccinations.
For more information see the petsmart website
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