IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR PET RABBIT

By John Morgan | Dated January 31, 2017

Please call Gordon Vet 94983000 to book your rabbit in for a booster vaccination.

In light of the recent information provided by the Australian Veterinary Association, Gordon Vet Hospital is recommending that all pet rabbits are vaccinated every 6 months against calicivirus, instead of the previous recommendation of every 12 months. The reminder date has been changed in your pet’s file to reflect this and with these changes they are now overdue.

We have recently received notification about the Northern Sydney release of a new calicivirus strain in the next few weeks. Calicivirus causes a haemorrhagic disease that is rapidly fatal.

Calicivirus, also known as Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus, was first released as a control measure for wild rabbits in 1995, however since then it has become significantly less effective. In an attempt to get improved wild rabbit control, a new variant of this virus is about to be released. The current calicivirus vaccine is protective against this new strain.

Unfortunately, another strain of calicivirus, which was originally released in France in 2010 has also appeared in Australia. The vaccine that we have in Australia is not completely protective against this strain from France.

Calicivirus is transmitted via insects such as flies and fleas, from rabbit to rabbit, and also via the faeces of predators. The virus is not harmful to people or other animals including wildlife, cats and dogs.

This means your rabbit is no longer protected and needs to receive a booster vaccination.
Please call Gordon vet 94983000 to make an appointment.