RCD - Rabbit Calici Disease - also called RHD - Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease
The introduction of K5 RCD into Australia article from vet voice
There are a number of RHDV strains present in Australia;
· RHDV 1 - Original virus released in 1995
· RHDV1A - Variant of type 1 isolated in Sydney in 2014
· RHDV1 - K5 Variant (release planned in March 2017)
· RHDV 2 - First recorded in mid 2015 in Australia, 2010 in Europe
· RCV - A1 Non pathogenic virus present in wild population
There has been some confusion between the new variant of RHDV1 (K5) and the discovery in 2015 of RHDV2 in wild and pet rabbits in the ACT and subsequently NSW, Victoria, SA, NT, Tasmania and WA. This new virus is called RHDV2, but is a different virus to RHDV1 and K5.
The pathogenic strains of the virus (RHDV1, RHDV1 K5 variant and RHDV2) are considered contagious and can be transmitted via; direct contact with infected rabbits, fomites, transmission via equipment and clothing, transmission by vectors including flies. Use of a parvovirus type cleaning protocol is recommended after suspicious cases.
Updates
30 January 2017: Korean strain (K5) of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV)
During the first week of March 2017, a planned national release of RHDV1 K5, will go ahead.
In April 2016, RHDV1 K5 was approved as a Restricted Chemical Product by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA).
RHDV1 K5 is a variant of the (RHDV1) virus released in 1996. Based on scientific evidence to date, the existing RHDV1 vaccine (known as Cylap®) is effective against RHDV1 K5. This evidence is based on a small pilot study undertaken by NSW Department of Primary Industries.
It is recommended that all domestic rabbit owners be reminded to vaccinate their rabbits prior to the release of RHDV1 K5 and/or ensure their animals’ vaccinations are up-to-date.
The Department of Primary Industries recommend that rabbit owners take the following extra precautions:
· Prevent direct and indirect contact between domestic and wild rabbits.
· Avoid cutting grass and feeding it to rabbits if there is the risk of contamination from wild rabbits.
· Wash hands, with warm soapy water between handling rabbits.
· Good insect control is also important and will help reduce the risks of introduction of both RHDV and myxomatosis. Insect control could include insect proofing the hutch or keeping the rabbits indoors.
· Infected rabbits should be isolated and disposed of in a manner that will minimise environmental contamination.
· All cages and equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Disinfectants that can be used to decontaminate any equipment include 10 % bleach, 10 % sodium hydroxide, or parvocide disinfectants. If using disinfectants material safety data sheets must be available and consulted, prior to use. Autoclaving will also kill the virus.
RHDV1 K5 is not a new virus; it is a Korean variant of the existing (Czech) virus already widespread in Australia.
RHDV1 K5 will be released across more than 600 sites within Australia and is being coordinated through the State and Territory Governments (see further below for contacts).
Scientists do not expect to see population reductions like those seen with the release of Czech strain of RHDV1 in 1996/97. Since RHDV1 K5 is not being released into a naïve population like that in 1996, knockdowns are expected to be conservative, depending on location and susceptibility of the rabbit population to RHDV1 K5.
Each State and Territory has a contact lead – see below. If you have any concerns or questions, you can direct your enquiries to these contacts.
NSW
Local Land Services 1300 795 299
Dept. of Primary Industries 02 6391 3834
Quentin Hart (DPI) [email protected]
Qld
Dept. of Agriculture and Fisheries 13 25 23
Peter Elsworth [email protected]
Vic
Dept. of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources 136 186
John Matthews [email protected]
SA
Primary Industry and Regions South Australia
Greg Mutze [email protected]
Tas
Dept. of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment 1300 368 550
Michael Askey-Doran [email protected]
WA
Dept. of Agriculture and Food 1800 084 881
Susan Campbell [email protected]
NT
Dept. of Primary Industry and Fisheries 1800 084 881
Peter Saville [email protected]
ACT
Transport Canberra and City Services 13 22 81
Oliver Orgill [email protected]
W: www.healthierlandscapes.org.au
E: [email protected]
RHDV2
RHDV2 does not pose a risk to human health and is not a notifiable livestock disease. However, the impact on pet rabbits and rabbit farms is high and it can cause death in young kittens (3-4 weeks) and a proportion of vaccinated adults. This new virus strain is distinct from RHD
V1, which was released in Australia in 1996 for the control of wild rabbits. It affects rabbits and hares only.
RHDV2 was first reported in France in 2010 and has been found in several other European countries. It was first detected in Australia in the Canberra area in May 2015.
Clinical signs of RHDV2 differ from the type 1 virus. RHDV2 affects kittens at a younger age (from 3-4 weeks) and clinical signs may be over 3-5 days before death. This is significant in general practice where unwell rabbits may present for vague clinical signs including; lethargy, inappetence, pyrexia and gut stasis. These rabbits will be infectious to other rabbits.
Clinical signs can include;
· pyrexia
· seizures
· hypoglycaemia
· anaemia
· significant increases in liver and kidney enzymes
· death
The current vaccine for rabbit calcivirus (Cylap RCD) is not fully protective against RHDV2. However, there is evidence of some cross protection between type 1 and type 2 viruses. Keeping domestic or pet rabbits’ vaccinations up to date is recommended to provide the maximum possible protection against this new strain. While an updated vaccine has been developed in Europe it is not currently available in Australia.
Until a specific vaccine is available for RHDV2, a revised vaccination protocol using the vaccine currently available in Australia has been suggested, though it is not known to what extent this will confer protection.
Current Vaccination recommendations follow and will be regularly updated.
Current vaccination recommendations
The AVA recommends regular vaccination. For the RHDV1, 1A and RHDV1-K5 viruses 12 monthly vaccination is recommended. For the variant that emerged in parts of Australia in 2015 called RHDV2 there is no specific vaccination available in Australia. The AVA suggests the following protocols, this should be followed in consultation with your local veterinarian.
Kittens: 4, 8, 12 weeks of age, then every 6 months.
Adults: 2 vaccinations 2-4 weeks apart, then every 6 months.
This protocol is off-label. Cylap is not registered for use against RHDV2 or for 6 monthly use.
Based on studies conducted so far, giving the vaccine at more frequent intervals does not have negative health effects. Veterinarians need to advise owners that this protocol is off label.
Vaccination should always be administered to healthy animals, and a risk/benefit discussion with an owner is strongly recommended before vaccination of animals with chronic illness. Young animals are anecdotally more likely to show post-vaccination lethargy and inappetence. It is common to get a local reaction to the vaccine, especially if vaccination is not performed with a new needle, or if the vaccine is inadvertently given intradermally.
Note that any benefit of earlier and more frequent vaccination of kittens has to be balanced against the increased likelihood of any adverse event from the vaccine. The suggested off-label regime has not yet been validated in terms of increased protection or risk of adverse events, and feedback from veterinarians would be most welcome while we work to determine the most appropriate way to handle this situation.
Owners of pet rabbits and breeding stock are urged to implement strict biosecurity measures to protect their animals from infection, and talk to their vets about how best to achieve this.
Any veterinarian in NSW or ACT who suspects a domestic rabbit may have RHDV2 should submit a fresh frozen 1g liver sample (not formalin-fixed) to the State Diagnostic Veterinary Laboratory at the EMAI.
Alternatively, please collect and freeze a liver sample and contact Robyn Hall (02 6246 4245) or Ros Mourant (02 6246 4294) at CSIRO to request a sampling kit for submission.
· RHDV 1 - Original virus released in 1995
· RHDV1A - Variant of type 1 isolated in Sydney in 2014
· RHDV1 - K5 Variant (release planned in March 2017)
· RHDV 2 - First recorded in mid 2015 in Australia, 2010 in Europe
· RCV - A1 Non pathogenic virus present in wild population
There has been some confusion between the new variant of RHDV1 (K5) and the discovery in 2015 of RHDV2 in wild and pet rabbits in the ACT and subsequently NSW, Victoria, SA, NT, Tasmania and WA. This new virus is called RHDV2, but is a different virus to RHDV1 and K5.
The pathogenic strains of the virus (RHDV1, RHDV1 K5 variant and RHDV2) are considered contagious and can be transmitted via; direct contact with infected rabbits, fomites, transmission via equipment and clothing, transmission by vectors including flies. Use of a parvovirus type cleaning protocol is recommended after suspicious cases.
Updates
30 January 2017: Korean strain (K5) of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV)
During the first week of March 2017, a planned national release of RHDV1 K5, will go ahead.
In April 2016, RHDV1 K5 was approved as a Restricted Chemical Product by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA).
RHDV1 K5 is a variant of the (RHDV1) virus released in 1996. Based on scientific evidence to date, the existing RHDV1 vaccine (known as Cylap®) is effective against RHDV1 K5. This evidence is based on a small pilot study undertaken by NSW Department of Primary Industries.
It is recommended that all domestic rabbit owners be reminded to vaccinate their rabbits prior to the release of RHDV1 K5 and/or ensure their animals’ vaccinations are up-to-date.
The Department of Primary Industries recommend that rabbit owners take the following extra precautions:
· Prevent direct and indirect contact between domestic and wild rabbits.
· Avoid cutting grass and feeding it to rabbits if there is the risk of contamination from wild rabbits.
· Wash hands, with warm soapy water between handling rabbits.
· Good insect control is also important and will help reduce the risks of introduction of both RHDV and myxomatosis. Insect control could include insect proofing the hutch or keeping the rabbits indoors.
· Infected rabbits should be isolated and disposed of in a manner that will minimise environmental contamination.
· All cages and equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Disinfectants that can be used to decontaminate any equipment include 10 % bleach, 10 % sodium hydroxide, or parvocide disinfectants. If using disinfectants material safety data sheets must be available and consulted, prior to use. Autoclaving will also kill the virus.
RHDV1 K5 is not a new virus; it is a Korean variant of the existing (Czech) virus already widespread in Australia.
RHDV1 K5 will be released across more than 600 sites within Australia and is being coordinated through the State and Territory Governments (see further below for contacts).
Scientists do not expect to see population reductions like those seen with the release of Czech strain of RHDV1 in 1996/97. Since RHDV1 K5 is not being released into a naïve population like that in 1996, knockdowns are expected to be conservative, depending on location and susceptibility of the rabbit population to RHDV1 K5.
Each State and Territory has a contact lead – see below. If you have any concerns or questions, you can direct your enquiries to these contacts.
NSW
Local Land Services 1300 795 299
Dept. of Primary Industries 02 6391 3834
Quentin Hart (DPI) [email protected]
Qld
Dept. of Agriculture and Fisheries 13 25 23
Peter Elsworth [email protected]
Vic
Dept. of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources 136 186
John Matthews [email protected]
SA
Primary Industry and Regions South Australia
Greg Mutze [email protected]
Tas
Dept. of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment 1300 368 550
Michael Askey-Doran [email protected]
WA
Dept. of Agriculture and Food 1800 084 881
Susan Campbell [email protected]
NT
Dept. of Primary Industry and Fisheries 1800 084 881
Peter Saville [email protected]
ACT
Transport Canberra and City Services 13 22 81
Oliver Orgill [email protected]
W: www.healthierlandscapes.org.au
E: [email protected]
RHDV2
RHDV2 does not pose a risk to human health and is not a notifiable livestock disease. However, the impact on pet rabbits and rabbit farms is high and it can cause death in young kittens (3-4 weeks) and a proportion of vaccinated adults. This new virus strain is distinct from RHD
V1, which was released in Australia in 1996 for the control of wild rabbits. It affects rabbits and hares only.
RHDV2 was first reported in France in 2010 and has been found in several other European countries. It was first detected in Australia in the Canberra area in May 2015.
Clinical signs of RHDV2 differ from the type 1 virus. RHDV2 affects kittens at a younger age (from 3-4 weeks) and clinical signs may be over 3-5 days before death. This is significant in general practice where unwell rabbits may present for vague clinical signs including; lethargy, inappetence, pyrexia and gut stasis. These rabbits will be infectious to other rabbits.
Clinical signs can include;
· pyrexia
· seizures
· hypoglycaemia
· anaemia
· significant increases in liver and kidney enzymes
· death
The current vaccine for rabbit calcivirus (Cylap RCD) is not fully protective against RHDV2. However, there is evidence of some cross protection between type 1 and type 2 viruses. Keeping domestic or pet rabbits’ vaccinations up to date is recommended to provide the maximum possible protection against this new strain. While an updated vaccine has been developed in Europe it is not currently available in Australia.
Until a specific vaccine is available for RHDV2, a revised vaccination protocol using the vaccine currently available in Australia has been suggested, though it is not known to what extent this will confer protection.
Current Vaccination recommendations follow and will be regularly updated.
Current vaccination recommendations
The AVA recommends regular vaccination. For the RHDV1, 1A and RHDV1-K5 viruses 12 monthly vaccination is recommended. For the variant that emerged in parts of Australia in 2015 called RHDV2 there is no specific vaccination available in Australia. The AVA suggests the following protocols, this should be followed in consultation with your local veterinarian.
Kittens: 4, 8, 12 weeks of age, then every 6 months.
Adults: 2 vaccinations 2-4 weeks apart, then every 6 months.
This protocol is off-label. Cylap is not registered for use against RHDV2 or for 6 monthly use.
Based on studies conducted so far, giving the vaccine at more frequent intervals does not have negative health effects. Veterinarians need to advise owners that this protocol is off label.
Vaccination should always be administered to healthy animals, and a risk/benefit discussion with an owner is strongly recommended before vaccination of animals with chronic illness. Young animals are anecdotally more likely to show post-vaccination lethargy and inappetence. It is common to get a local reaction to the vaccine, especially if vaccination is not performed with a new needle, or if the vaccine is inadvertently given intradermally.
Note that any benefit of earlier and more frequent vaccination of kittens has to be balanced against the increased likelihood of any adverse event from the vaccine. The suggested off-label regime has not yet been validated in terms of increased protection or risk of adverse events, and feedback from veterinarians would be most welcome while we work to determine the most appropriate way to handle this situation.
Owners of pet rabbits and breeding stock are urged to implement strict biosecurity measures to protect their animals from infection, and talk to their vets about how best to achieve this.
Any veterinarian in NSW or ACT who suspects a domestic rabbit may have RHDV2 should submit a fresh frozen 1g liver sample (not formalin-fixed) to the State Diagnostic Veterinary Laboratory at the EMAI.
Alternatively, please collect and freeze a liver sample and contact Robyn Hall (02 6246 4245) or Ros Mourant (02 6246 4294) at CSIRO to request a sampling kit for submission.
What is RCD?
What is rabbit calicivirus and how do I protect my rabbit from rabbit haemorrhagic disease? this article from the rspca
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is caused by the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), a type of calicivirus which is fatal in non-immune rabbits. There are currently two strains of this virus in wild rabbit populations in Australia, with a third planned for release in early March 2017. Rabbit owners should ensure their rabbits are vaccinated with Cylap® vaccine to protect against the original strain of the virus, RHDV1. However, Cylap® does not protect against all strains, so additional measures must be taken to reduce the risk of rabbits being exposed to RHDV. Veterinarians should follow current Australian Veterinary Association guidelines to maximise vaccine protection.
Release of RHDV in Australia
The first strain of RHDV, known as the Czech strain (belonging to the RHDV1 family), was released by the government in 1996 to help control wild rabbits in an effort to minimise environmental damage being caused. This followed an accidental release of the virus in 1995 from CSIRO field trials on Wardang Island in South Australia. An effective vaccine, Cylap® has been available for many years to protect domestic rabbits against this strain of the virus.
In recent years, the Czech strain has had less impact on wild rabbit populations due to the development of immunity, so Australian scientists have evaluated a number of different RHDV variants for release. From this evaluation, a new strain was selected known as the Korean strain or K5 (belonging to the RHDV1a family), which is due to be released in early March 2017 at 600 sites across Australia (contact your state department of agriculture for information on locations). This new strain, which was found to be more infectious than the Czech strain, also causes RHD and death in non-immune rabbits. A pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Cylap® vaccine against K5 has indicated that this vaccine will provide protection but further trials need to be undertaken to obtain conclusive results. All rabbit owners are advised to ensure their rabbits are vaccinated before K5 is released.
RHDV2 outbreaks
A third RHDV, known as RHDV2, was first confirmed in a wild rabbit in Canberra in 2015, with authorities unable to state the source of the infection. Over the past eighteen months, it has caused the same type of disease and deaths in wild and domesticated rabbits in NSW, ACT, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and Western Australia. No validated trials have been conducted to test the Cylap® vaccine against RHDV2 and there are many reports of vaccinated rabbits dying from infection with RHDV2. Thus, all domesticated rabbits, including those who are vaccinated, are at a high risk of becoming ill and dying from RHDV2, if they are exposed to the virus. Young rabbits (3-4 weeks of age) are particularly vulnerable.
RHDV2 vaccines being used overseas are not currently available in Australia and they may not be effective against the specific RHDV2 found here.
Full protection against RHDV1 (Czech), RHDV1a (K5) and RHDV2 requires the development of a 'trivalent' (against three different infectious agents) vaccine using these particular viruses. Research is urgently needed to develop such a vaccine.
Overview of RHDV strains
Name
Type
Presence in Australia
Disease & death of rabbits
Vaccination protection with Cylap®
Czech (original, classic or v351)
RHDV1
Accidental release in 1995
Controlled release in 1996
Mainly adults as young are more resistant to disease
Yes - vaccine provides good protection
K5 (Korean)
RHDV1a
Release due in early March 2017
Mainly adults as young are more resistant to disease
Pilot study indicates protection* - vaccination is recommended
RHDV2
RHDV2
Source unknown. First appeared in ACT in 2015; now reported in NSW, Vic, SA, NT, Tas & WA
Very young rabbits most susceptible with death likely
Low# - modified vaccination protocol may provide some protection
* Note: A small pilot study done in New South Wales showed that all vaccinated rabbits survived infection whereas all unvaccinated rabbits died; however, further research is needed.
# Based on many reports of deaths in vaccinated rabbits from outbreaks in several states
What are the symptoms of RHDV?
RHDV damages internal organs such as the liver and intestines and may cause bleeding. Signs include fever, restlessness, lethargy and poor appetite with bleeding from the nose and/or blood on the floor where rabbits are housed. Often infected rabbits will show no signs and die suddenly. If a pet rabbit is showing signs, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately. There is no remedy for RHD but affected rabbits can be given supportive treatment.
How does RHDV spread?
All RHDV strains can spread easily from infected rabbits in droppings, urine, secretions from the eyes and nose, and at mating. Spread can also occur from contaminated objects such as food, clothing, cages, equipment, insects (especially flies), birds and rodents. The virus can survive in the environment for three and a half months over hotter periods but up to seven and a half months in moderate temperatures.
How can I protect my pet rabbit against RHDV?
Rabbit owners should ensure their rabbits are vaccinated with Cylap® vaccine to protect against RHDV. Veterinarians should follow current Australian Veterinary Association guidelines to maximise vaccine protection. However, as Cylap® does not fully protect against all strains of RHDV, additional measures must be taken to reduce the risk of infection.
RHDV1 - an effective vaccine, Cylap® has been available for many years to protect rabbits against this strain of the virus. Rabbits must be vaccinated annually to maintain protection against RHDV1.
RHDVK5 - the current evidence indicates that vaccination with Cylap® will provide protection against RHDVK5, but further research is needed. It is still essential that all rabbits are vaccinated and that precautions are taken to help to prevent infection (see below).
RHDV2 - no vaccine is available in Australia that specifically protects against RHDV2. However, a modified vaccination protocol may provide some protection and thus it is still essential that all rabbits are vaccinated and precautions are taken to help to prevent infection (see below).
Reducing the risk of RHDV infection
RHDV can remain in the environment for an extended period and can be transmitted on objects and via some insects. The following precautions can reduce the risk of infection:
Keep your pet rabbit indoors
Rabbit-proof your backyard to prevent access by wild rabbits
Regularly decontaminate equipment and materials including cages, hutches, bowls etc, with either 10% bleach or 10% sodium hydroxide
Limit contact between and handling of unfamiliar pet rabbits
Decontaminate hands, shoes and clothing after handling other than your own rabbits
Control fleas
Control insects (especially flies) as much as possible both indoors and outdoors
Remove uneaten food on a daily basis.
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is caused by the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), a type of calicivirus which is fatal in non-immune rabbits. There are currently two strains of this virus in wild rabbit populations in Australia, with a third planned for release in early March 2017. Rabbit owners should ensure their rabbits are vaccinated with Cylap® vaccine to protect against the original strain of the virus, RHDV1. However, Cylap® does not protect against all strains, so additional measures must be taken to reduce the risk of rabbits being exposed to RHDV. Veterinarians should follow current Australian Veterinary Association guidelines to maximise vaccine protection.
Release of RHDV in Australia
The first strain of RHDV, known as the Czech strain (belonging to the RHDV1 family), was released by the government in 1996 to help control wild rabbits in an effort to minimise environmental damage being caused. This followed an accidental release of the virus in 1995 from CSIRO field trials on Wardang Island in South Australia. An effective vaccine, Cylap® has been available for many years to protect domestic rabbits against this strain of the virus.
In recent years, the Czech strain has had less impact on wild rabbit populations due to the development of immunity, so Australian scientists have evaluated a number of different RHDV variants for release. From this evaluation, a new strain was selected known as the Korean strain or K5 (belonging to the RHDV1a family), which is due to be released in early March 2017 at 600 sites across Australia (contact your state department of agriculture for information on locations). This new strain, which was found to be more infectious than the Czech strain, also causes RHD and death in non-immune rabbits. A pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Cylap® vaccine against K5 has indicated that this vaccine will provide protection but further trials need to be undertaken to obtain conclusive results. All rabbit owners are advised to ensure their rabbits are vaccinated before K5 is released.
RHDV2 outbreaks
A third RHDV, known as RHDV2, was first confirmed in a wild rabbit in Canberra in 2015, with authorities unable to state the source of the infection. Over the past eighteen months, it has caused the same type of disease and deaths in wild and domesticated rabbits in NSW, ACT, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and Western Australia. No validated trials have been conducted to test the Cylap® vaccine against RHDV2 and there are many reports of vaccinated rabbits dying from infection with RHDV2. Thus, all domesticated rabbits, including those who are vaccinated, are at a high risk of becoming ill and dying from RHDV2, if they are exposed to the virus. Young rabbits (3-4 weeks of age) are particularly vulnerable.
RHDV2 vaccines being used overseas are not currently available in Australia and they may not be effective against the specific RHDV2 found here.
Full protection against RHDV1 (Czech), RHDV1a (K5) and RHDV2 requires the development of a 'trivalent' (against three different infectious agents) vaccine using these particular viruses. Research is urgently needed to develop such a vaccine.
Overview of RHDV strains
Name
Type
Presence in Australia
Disease & death of rabbits
Vaccination protection with Cylap®
Czech (original, classic or v351)
RHDV1
Accidental release in 1995
Controlled release in 1996
Mainly adults as young are more resistant to disease
Yes - vaccine provides good protection
K5 (Korean)
RHDV1a
Release due in early March 2017
Mainly adults as young are more resistant to disease
Pilot study indicates protection* - vaccination is recommended
RHDV2
RHDV2
Source unknown. First appeared in ACT in 2015; now reported in NSW, Vic, SA, NT, Tas & WA
Very young rabbits most susceptible with death likely
Low# - modified vaccination protocol may provide some protection
* Note: A small pilot study done in New South Wales showed that all vaccinated rabbits survived infection whereas all unvaccinated rabbits died; however, further research is needed.
# Based on many reports of deaths in vaccinated rabbits from outbreaks in several states
What are the symptoms of RHDV?
RHDV damages internal organs such as the liver and intestines and may cause bleeding. Signs include fever, restlessness, lethargy and poor appetite with bleeding from the nose and/or blood on the floor where rabbits are housed. Often infected rabbits will show no signs and die suddenly. If a pet rabbit is showing signs, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately. There is no remedy for RHD but affected rabbits can be given supportive treatment.
How does RHDV spread?
All RHDV strains can spread easily from infected rabbits in droppings, urine, secretions from the eyes and nose, and at mating. Spread can also occur from contaminated objects such as food, clothing, cages, equipment, insects (especially flies), birds and rodents. The virus can survive in the environment for three and a half months over hotter periods but up to seven and a half months in moderate temperatures.
How can I protect my pet rabbit against RHDV?
Rabbit owners should ensure their rabbits are vaccinated with Cylap® vaccine to protect against RHDV. Veterinarians should follow current Australian Veterinary Association guidelines to maximise vaccine protection. However, as Cylap® does not fully protect against all strains of RHDV, additional measures must be taken to reduce the risk of infection.
RHDV1 - an effective vaccine, Cylap® has been available for many years to protect rabbits against this strain of the virus. Rabbits must be vaccinated annually to maintain protection against RHDV1.
RHDVK5 - the current evidence indicates that vaccination with Cylap® will provide protection against RHDVK5, but further research is needed. It is still essential that all rabbits are vaccinated and that precautions are taken to help to prevent infection (see below).
RHDV2 - no vaccine is available in Australia that specifically protects against RHDV2. However, a modified vaccination protocol may provide some protection and thus it is still essential that all rabbits are vaccinated and precautions are taken to help to prevent infection (see below).
Reducing the risk of RHDV infection
RHDV can remain in the environment for an extended period and can be transmitted on objects and via some insects. The following precautions can reduce the risk of infection:
Keep your pet rabbit indoors
Rabbit-proof your backyard to prevent access by wild rabbits
Regularly decontaminate equipment and materials including cages, hutches, bowls etc, with either 10% bleach or 10% sodium hydroxide
Limit contact between and handling of unfamiliar pet rabbits
Decontaminate hands, shoes and clothing after handling other than your own rabbits
Control fleas
Control insects (especially flies) as much as possible both indoors and outdoors
Remove uneaten food on a daily basis.