New killer disease threatens rabbits
ATOP vet has warned rabbit owners in Halton to protect their pets from a highly contagious deadly disease after it was detected for the first time in Cheshire.
Ian Hopkins, principal vet for the Willows Veterinary Group which owns Laurels Veterinary Surgery on Victoria Road, Runcorn, has teamed up with Rabbit Rescue North West to advise owners on how to protect their pets from a new strain of rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD).
They warned that the fatal condition, which can be carried by all rabbits in the wild and at home, is often symptomless, yet pets can be dead within hours due to haemorrhaging in major organs, particularly the liver.
The Cheshire case was diagnosed in Northwich.
Ian said: “We help our clients vaccinate their rabbits against two main diseases, myxomatosis and VHD.
“There is now a new strain of VHD which has come into the UK and we have evidence of at least one case in Cheshire which was discovered following a post mortem at one of our other Willows practices.
“This means we are keen to encourage rabbit owners to remain vigilant and to follow basic hygiene guidelines which will help stop the disease from spreading.
“It is a horrid disease and it is devastating for owners to see their loved pets suffer from it.
“While the current vaccines give some immunity, this new strain is proving largely resistant.
“There is another vaccine which is much more effective but it is currently out of stock because there have been outbreaks all over Europe which has meant the vaccine has been in high demand and UK vets are struggling to get hold of.”
Ian said owners can protect their pets, explaining: “First and foremost we would ask rabbit owners to be vigilant and if you have any concerns at all, then take your rabbit to your vet for a check-up.
“It is also important to keep your rabbit’s vaccinations up to date to protect them as much as you can.
“This airborne disease is highly contagious and spreads very easily by direct contact between rabbits but also via indirect transfer from people, clothing, contaminated hutches and bedding as well as insects such as fleas and flies.
“It also comes down to good animal husbandry and hygiene so making sure you keep their hutches and living areas clean including food and water bowls.”
Katy Collins, one of the found- ers of Rabbit Rescue North West, said: “We don’t want people to panic because we have only heard about a very small number of cases but with at least one confirmed for sure, we would urge people to keep a close eye on their pets and seek veterinary advice if they are worried at all about anything.”
Contact Rabbit Rescue North West at rabbitrescuenw@yahoo. co.uk