Warning as pets hit with deadly virus
A HOBART woman has been left distraught after her rare-breed rabbits died from a virus, which was released to curb growing populations of feral rabbits.
Celeste Maddocks (pictured, inset) watched her two domestic mini lop eared rabbits die from a calicivirus, and is now calling for a vaccination for the strain.
“It was traumatic, I was really distressed when they died,” she said.
“I think when a deadly virus is released a letter drop or notification from authorities to local vets so they can notify their client base should be actioned.”
Different strains of calicivirus, also known as rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), are in the state. Domestic rabbit owners say there is no vaccine available for RHDV2, which is the one causing the damage.
Ms Maddocks said the veterinarian took a sample, but to determine which strain of the virus it was would cost another $230.
“I was devastated because I loved my rabbits, they were so personable. They loved pats and cuddles. They would follow you about, a perfect pet.
“I can’t get any more rabbits because once a virus is in a space, it contaminates the space for eight months.”
Angora rabbit owner Maree Hamming, of Oakdowns, is fighting to get a vaccine for RHDV2.
“We were promised two years ago there would be a vaccination but it’s still not available,” said Mrs Hamming, who has created a Facebook group with more than 2000 members to share information.
“All rabbit owners of domestic rabbits are gutted at their losses. All we are asking for is a vaccination against RHDV2,” she said.
After seeing a number of cases of calicivirus in recent weeks, North Hobart Veterinary Hospital rel e a s e d information for rabbit owners urging extra precautions, including a vaccination booster every six months.
According to the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, no evidence of RHDV infection among humans has been reported. It is not recommended to eat rabbits that may be affected by the virus. DPIPWE recommends rabbit owners prevent direct and indirect contact between domestic and wild rabbits. Other recommendations include to avoid feeding cut grass to rabbits if there is a risk of contamination from wild rabbits, and to wash hands with warm soapy water between handling rabbits. CSIRO offers a free test for the virus strain.
Mrs Hamming said RHDV2 was completely different to the original virus, RHDV351, and another biological control virus, RHDV1 K5, which affects European rabbits and is a naturally oc- curring variant of RHDV1. RHDV1 was released Australia-wide last year.
The release of the RHDV1 K5 virus was part of a national attack on an explosion in feral rabbit numbers and rabbits’ increasing resistance to older strains of calicivirus. A rabbit infected with the virus will develop the disease within one to three days.