An outbreak of a deadly disease that can kill rabbits overnight has been confirmed on the Isle of Wight.
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease has been present in the UK for many years and there is a successful vaccine to prevent rabbits catching it, along with the perhaps better known myxomatosis. However, recently a new strain of the virus has emerged called RHD2 and the current vaccine does not protect against it.
Pet Doctors Isle of Wight have now confirmed an outbreak locally with several deaths resulting from RHD2. Vet Simon Baker says that rabbit owners need to be vigilant as unfortunately there is no treatment for it and many rabbits are simply found dead overnight. 1 Islander has told Island Echo that he has lost a total of 9 rabbits from the disease in recent weeks.
The virus spreads among wild rabbits and probably is transmitted by biting insects, but the virus is quite tough and can persist in hay and in the bodies of rabbits that have died of it for some time. If a pet rabbit is found dead it is best to take it to your vet for safe handling and thoroughly clean the environment in which the rabbit lived.
There is a vaccine to protect against RHD2 but it has to be imported into the UK and stocks are very limited. Pet Doctors say they would recommend that concerned rabbit owners contact their veterinary practice if they wish to arrange for vaccination.
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