New killer virus strain worries pet rabbit lover
Timaru rabbit owner Sionelle Williams fears pet rabbits may be killed by a haemorrhage-inducing rabbit calicivirus strain soon to be released in the region.
Williams, who has two rabbits, is speaking out after the recent news that Environment Canterbury (ECan) has received the approvals required for the importation and release of the new rabbit haemorrhagic virus disease strain, RHDV1 K5.
She urges all rabbit owners to vaccinate their pets ahead of the release.
While her vaccination calls have been echoed by the Ministry for Primary Industries, ECan says rabbit owners who continue to vaccinate against RHDV1 K5 should not be concerned about the virus.
The strain, described as a way to reduce the significant environmental and agricultural impacts of wild rabbits, will be released throughout the country in March and April.
‘‘I urge all people who have rabbits as pets to get them vaccinated as soon as possible as it takes a while for the vaccination to become effective. The virus makes them haemorrhage,’’ Williams said.
She has had her rabbits Thumper and Oreo since September and owned others previously, enjoying their quiet, cuddly nature.
‘‘They make great pets and it would be a shame for other people’s pet rabbits to get sick through the virus.
‘‘When it was announced last week it was being released I was really disappointed.’’
Ministry for Primary Industries spokesperson Allan Kinsella said RHDV1 strains have been present in NZ since 1997 and a vaccine is readily available.
He said the virus is a Korean strain of the existing RHDV1 virus already widespread in New Zealand.