Springtime brings a risk to our rabbits

Springtime brings with it a risk to our pet rabbits of three viral infections. The first is our old enemy: myxomatosis. This usually fatal disease can be spread via biting insects such as mosquitoes, which are becoming active now. Insect bites also spread both forms of rabbit haemorrhagic disease (VHD), which are also rabbit killer diseases.

The thing about viruses is that there are no antibiotics to cure these infections, meaning that a vet can rarely save an unvaccinated rabbit affected by either myxomatosis or VHD.

So it’s up to the patient’s own immunity to do the work. Vaccination prepares the patient’s immune system for that work, giving it a potentially lifesaving head start.

The human coronavirus pandemic restrictions have meant that we have been seeing far fewer rabbits than usual for their vaccines. I am anxious that there will be pet rabbits that are now unprotected as we move into the most dangerous time of year. If your rabbit’s vaccine was last given 12 or more months ago, it is important to schedule their booster now.

I believe that prevention is better than cure and, just like dogs and cats, rabbits also need vaccinations against infectious diseases they are at risk from. This also provides a valuable opportunity for your rabbit to have a health check with one of our vets.

Even if you have an older rabbit, it is not too late to start a vaccination programme and your vet can advise you on this. Older rabbits often have a weaker immune system so it is especially important to give them a helping hand and keep their boosters up to date.

Please do not assume that your indoor only rabbit is not at risk. We regularly see these infections brought indoors on a draught through a window or door. Indoor rabbits do require vaccination too.

We recommend that all rabbits over five weeks of age receive this protection.

And we can vaccinate against all 3 preventable diseases at the same visit, with a single injection.

If your bunnies’ vaccines are now due or overdue, then now is the time to act.

To schedule your rabbit’s vaccination appointment go to themewesvets.co.uk/ book-online.