What you need to know about rabbit vaccinations in Australia
Providing your pet with the care and medical attention needed to keep them healthy starts with vaccinations. Much like dogs and cats, rabbits can benefit from vaccinations to prevent them from becoming ill from viruses. At Doncaster Veterinary Hospital, we offer rabbit vaccinations Melbourne pet owners can rely on to keep pets healthy and happy. Call today to make a non-emergency appointment.
Do pet rabbits need to be vaccinated?
While you aren't required by law to vaccinate your pet rabbit, we highly recommend you do so. To prevent the spread of wild rabbits, Australia uses two viruses released into the population. These are Calicivirus, also known as Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus or RHDV, and Myxomatosis. Your pet can be vaccinated against certain strains of Calicivirus, reducing their risk of falling ill with this disease.
Do rabbits require rabies shots?
Your pet rabbit is at extremely low risk of getting rabies in Australia. Unlike other countries, rabies isn't found in Australia, making it difficult or impossible for your rabbit to contract this condition. Because of this, there is no vaccine for this condition.
What do rabbit vaccinations cover?
Rabbit vaccinations are very straightforward and typically only cover RHDV (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus). Currently, there is no coverage or approved vaccination available in Australia for Myxomatosis. As rabbits are not susceptible to heartworm or dog fleas, there is no need to vaccinate against these conditions.
How old does my rabbit have to be for vaccination?
The RHDV is usually given to pet rabbits at 10-12 weeks, with a second booster a month following. Vaccination continues for the rest of the rabbit's life to maintain protection and adapt to changes in the strains of virus released, so it's essential to stay up to date with your vaccination plan.
How often should rabbits be vaccinated?
The first vaccine your rabbit gets is followed by a booster one month later. Research has shown that a vaccine every six months is more effective protection than once a year. If possible, you should make an appointment for vaccination around six months after the previous dose.
Can vaccinated rabbits still get RHDV?
Currently, there are three primary forms of the RHDV virus. The current commonly used vaccine, called Cylap®, provides adequate protection against RHDV1 and may protect RHDVK5. RHDV2, the newest outbreak of this disease, currently does not have a specific vaccine. However, vaccinating more often can provide a degree of protection.
Can vaccinated rabbits get Myxomatosis?
Unfortunately, there's currently no vaccine available in Australia for Myxomatosis. It's crucial you are vigilant about protecting your rabbits in other ways to avoid this deadly disease from spreading to your pet. Other countries offer a Myxomatosis vaccine. However, the Australian government believes that a 'live-virus' vaccine could result in an immunised wild rabbit population, making it harder to control populations.
Can vaccines make my rabbit sick?
Much like humans, rabbits can have transient malaise after they are vaccinated. Around 10% of pet rabbits may be less active, quieter or unwilling to eat within a day or so of their vaccination. You may also notice a sore or hair loss around the injection site, but in most cases, this will heal on its own.
How else can I protect my rabbit from diseases?
As vaccinations only protect your rabbit against some types of RHDV, it's important to use other forms of protection to keep them safe. The more vigilant you are about keeping your rabbit safe, the less likely they will contract a virus. Some tips for keeping your pet safe include:
Ensure you wash your hands before and after interacting with your pet. If you've come into contact with a wild rabbit, you should shower and change your clothes before interacting with your pet rabbit.
Using suitable disinfectant products to keep your home and animal areas clean
Not sharing pet food and toys between different households or leaving them outside
Keeping your pet rabbits away from any contact with wild rabbits, including their droppings or grass where they have been seen previously
Restricting exercise outdoors to times when mosquitos are less present, as they can spread disease between rabbits easily
Considering keeping your rabbit inside as a house pet to reduce the risk of disease from insects and wild rabbits, as well as reducing the chances of heat stress
Book a rabbit vaccination in Melbourne today!
Ensuring your pet rabbit is fully vaccinated is the ideal way to help them live a long, happy life. If you live in Doncaster East, Donvale, Blackburn North, Park Orchards and the surrounding area, get in touch with our friendly team today to book your vaccination appointment. The sooner your pet is vaccinated, the faster they'll be protected.