Do Rabbits Need Vaccines?


If you take on a pet rabbit, you’ll naturally want them to stay healthy. Vaccination can save a rabbit from a couple of very serious conditions but are our pet rabbits really at risk from these conditions and if not do you really need to vaccinate your new pet rabbit?

Rabbits vaccination is dependant on the location. If you are in the USA, rabbit vaccines are not required. However, owners in Australia and Europe must have their rabbits vaccinated against diseases like myxomatosis and Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease.

If you live in one of the countries where rabbits need to be vaccinated, it is important that you are aware of when and how often your pet needs these injections. Read on to find out more.

Do Rabbits Need To Have Vaccines?

While diseases like myxomatosis and Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RVHD) are less common among domestic rabbits, they are still required to receive a vaccination to protect against these. This is because there is always a risk that your rabbit may have contact with a wild rabbit.

In the wild, rabbits are at very high risk of contracting either of these diseases and since the rabbit population is vast across Europe, it only takes one chance encounter to pass them on. What’s more, both of these diseases are incredibly contagious.

In Australia, the rabbit is not a native animal but was introduced in the late 1800’s as a hunting target. Since then, the population has grown rapidly and rabbits are everywhere in this vast country apart from tropical regions. They are considered to be a pest.

Additionally, we must keep in mind that the rabbit population in Australia and back in France was purposefully infected with myxomatosis as a way of trying to control the ever-growing population.

In the USA, rabbits are not required to receive vaccines against these conditions since the diseases are not widespread even in wild rabbits. That being said there was an outbreak of RVHD2 in the South West of the country but it was not significant enough to warrant developing a vaccine. However, there are some states including Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and New Mexico where vaccines may be given when an outbreak occurs.

As yet, the USA is yet to approve any vaccine developed outside of the country for rabbits and importing rabbits from countries where a vaccine has been given is not legal.

What Diseases Can Rabbits Be Vaccinated Against?

There are two main diseases that your rabbit may receive a vaccine for, in certain countries. First is myxomatosis which is a virus that causes swelling and a fever. Unfortunately, there is no cure and as such, most rabbits who contract it will die.

Secondly, is RVHD which has two strains. The first strain is fatal and may include symptoms like fatigue, seizures, loss of appetite and difficulty breathing, among others. The second strain, known as RVHD2 is most widespread in Europe and Australia. This disease is very similar to the first strain and attacks the liver and spleen.

However, the key difference is that the rabbit typically doesn’t show any symptoms and sudden death is the first that owners will know about it.

Do House Rabbits Need To Be Vaccinated?

Even if your rabbit lives in the house, it may still be a good idea to get them vaccinated. Of course, there is very little chance that they are going to encounter a wild bunny in the home, but there may be other ways that they could contract myxomatosis or RVHD. Both of these diseases can come from bloodsucking insects.

It can be much easier for these insects to get into the house and interact with your rabbit. If they have previously interacted with an infected animal, there is a chance that your rabbit may become sick.

What’s more, with both of these diseases being so highly contagious, it is entirely possible for you to get the virus on your clothing and pass it onto your pet this way. Although, this is rare. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

How Often Do Rabbits Need To Be Vaccinated?

A rabbit will receive its first vaccines at the age of five weeks. If you have had your rabbit from a breeder after this age, you should check whether the bunny has had any vaccines yet. Furthermore, you should consider that one initial dose of the vaccine will not offer protection for life.

Your rabbit will need to see the vet for a top-up vaccine once a year for its entire life. The best time to do this is during the spring as this will offer protection when these diseases are most prevalent in summer and autumn. Also, keep in mind that for RVHD, one vaccine will protect the rabbit from both strains.

How Much Do Rabbit Vaccinations Cost?

The cost of your rabbit’s injections will vary depending on the veterinary practice you attend. In the UK, the PDSA offers free vet care for eligible pet owners on low incomes. However, on average, you can expect to pay around £50 for a full set of vaccines. In Australia, the average price to vaccinate your rabbit each year will be between $70 and $90.

In some cases, vets will offer a payment plan that will cover various aspects of your pets care. This might cover annual vaccinations, check ups, dental care, and various other things depending on the package. You would pay a set amount each month to access these treatments as your pet needs them.

Can Rabbits Go Outside Without Injections?

Baby rabbits do not typically leave the nest until they are three weeks old and their first vaccine will be at the age of five weeks. This means that you only have a two week gap between them coming out and being protected. For this reason, it might be better to keep your rabbit in your home until they have received their vaccinations.

It is important to have your rabbit vaccinated as soon as possible because, as we have discovered, they can still catch these fatal diseases without ever going outside.

Do Rabbit Vaccines Have Side Effects?

One of the things that many bunny owners will be worried about is whether the rabbit vaccinations will bring on any side effects. Any type of vaccine or medication will have a series of side effects, this is not something that we can avoid. However, for the most part your rabbit should be fine after receiving their dose.

In any case, it can be helpful to keep and eye out for some of the more common side effects such as swelling at the injection site and a slight increase in temperature. In very rare cases, a problem with the gut may develop and your rabbit might stop eating. If this happens, you should contact your vet and treat this as an emergency.

Darren

Darren is the founder and editor at Bunny Advice and has been caring for rabbits for over a decade. He has a passion for helping animals and sharing his experience and knowledge with others.

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