Vaccines for pet rabbits

We are anxious to protect our daughter’s pet rabbit from myxomatosis. Can we still get it vaccinated under COVID-19 restrictions and is there anything else you would advise we do under these circumstances?

Veterinary practices continue to operate during national lockdown restrictions by providing services that are essential in maintaining animal health and welfare, and are important for the maintenance of the food chain.

Practices are able to undertake more than emergency work. They can use clinical judgement to decide what work is essential and how best to safeguard the health of their staff and their clients. Always discuss your needs with your local practice so that together you can decide on what’s best for your animals.

Rabbits should be vaccinated against myxomatosis and two strains of rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD). There are two vaccines available to protect rabbits. One gives protection against both myxomatosis and RHD1. Another separate vaccine is available to give protection against a new strain of RHD (RHD2). Both vaccines cannot be given together and usually two weeks are allowed between vaccinations.

Myxomatosis and RHD both spread via infected wild rabbits and insects (such as flies and mosquitoes), so until your rabbit is fully vaccinated, you will need to consider:

Moving your rabbit indoors or into a secure outbuilding, making sure it has enough space to exercise, hide away and perform normal behaviours (such as digging and jumping).

Using mosquito netting to protect your rabbit from insects — over windows if they are indoors, and over their entire living space if outdoors. Keeping your rabbit’s living area clean to avoid attracting insects. Check your rabbit daily and clean any muck off its bottom with lukewarm water.

Making sure wild rabbits can’t get to your rabbit or its living space. Ideally, separate your rabbit from the outside world with two barriers — a door to its living area and a separate door to the outside world. TB