RISK TO PET RABBITS

IMPORTANT UPDATE...

Ensure your Rabbit is protected by vaccinating them now and following recommendations below.

A new strain of Calicivirus is being released this Month to reduce the feral rabbit population, but also increases the risk to pet rabbits.

The Department of Primary Industries recommend that rabbit owners take the following extra precautions:

1. Prevent direct and indirect contact between domestic and wild rabbits.
2. Avoid cutting grass and feeding it to rabbits if there is the risk of contamination from wild rabbits.
3. Wash hands, with warm soapy water between handling rabbits.
4. Good insect control is also important and will help reduce the risks of introduction of both Calicivirus and myxomatosis. Insect control could include insect proofing the hutch or keeping the rabbits indoors.
5. Infected rabbits should be isolated and disposed of in a manner that will minimise environmental contamination.
6. All cages and equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Disinfectants that can be used to decontaminate any equipment include 10 % bleach, 10 % sodium hydroxide, or parvocide disinfectants. If using disinfectants material safety data sheets must be available and consulted, prior to use. Autoclaving will also kill the virus.

Contact the clinic for more information - the number and frequency of vaccinations depends on the age of your Rabbit and all vaccination appointments include a full health check.