Viral Haemorrhagic Disease in Rabbits: Prevention & Care Guide

For many rabbit owners, the threat of diseases such as myxomatosis is well known, but Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) presents an additional serious risk to domestic rabbits in the UK. VHD, also called Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD), is a highly contagious and usually fatal viral infection caused by the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV), a calicivirus belonging to the Lagovirus genus.

The disease first emerged in China in 1984 and has since become endemic in many countries including the UK and Europe. Understanding the disease is essential for any rabbit owner because of its rapid progression and devastating effects.

What is Viral Haemorrhagic Disease in Rabbits?

The disease affects primarily European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and has two main strains: RHDV1 (classical) and RHDV2, with the latter now being the dominant strain in many areas. Mortality rates range from 70% to 100% in unvaccinated rabbits.

VHD causes acute necrotising hepatitis and widespread haemorrhages due to disseminated intravascular coagulation, affecting vital organs like the liver, lungs, kidneys, and heart. Death can occur very quickly, often within 12-36 hours after onset, sometimes without any prior noticeable symptoms.

The disease may have several forms:

• Peracute: Sudden death without symptoms, rapid collapse.
• Acute: Symptoms include bleeding from the nose, mouth or eyes, fever, difficulty breathing, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite, jaundice, and incoordination.
• Subacute: Less severe, death occurs within 1-2 weeks with possible survival.

How is VHD Spread?

VHD is extremely contagious and spreads easily through both direct and indirect contact. Transmission routes include:

• Direct contact between rabbits through nose-to-nose interaction or contact with infected bodily fluids and faeces.
• Contact with contaminated environments such as hutches, bedding, food, or water.
• Mechanical vectors like insects (flies, mosquitoes), birds, rodents, and other animals that can carry the virus externally.

The virus is unusually resilient, able to survive over 100 days at room temperature and more than 225 days refrigerated. It is not destroyed by freezing and survives freeze-thaw cycles, making environmental contamination a serious risk.

Though VHD does not infect humans, people can inadvertently transfer the virus on clothing, footwear, or hands after handling infected or exposed rabbits.

What Are the Signs of VHD?

Unfortunately, many rabbits die suddenly without showing any warning signs, making early detection challenging. If a rabbit shows symptoms typical of VHD, immediate veterinary attention is crucial.

Key clinical signs include:

• High fever
• Loss of appetite and lethargy
• Difficulty breathing
• Blood-stained discharge from nose or mouth
• Convulsions or seizures
• Staggered movements or incoordination

Chronic cases, though rare, may present with weight loss, jaundice, and signs of liver failure over approximately two weeks.

As there is no cure, supportive care such as fluid therapy may be tried, but euthanasia is often recommended to prevent suffering.

How Can I Protect My Rabbit from VHD?

The most effective protection is annual vaccination, which should be administered by a veterinary surgeon. Vaccines are usually available for both VHD and myxomatosis, but it is recommended to give these separately, allowing for a distinct schedule.

Vaccination can begin from around 3 months of age, depending on the vaccine used, and yearly boosters are essential due to evolving viral strains, especially the dominance of RHDV2.

Along with vaccination, good hygiene and biosecurity practices include:

• Regularly cleaning and disinfecting hutches, runs, and feeding areas.
• Storing food and hay securely in vermin- and insect-proof containers to prevent contamination.
• Washing hands thoroughly before and after handling rabbits, especially if in contact with other rabbits.
• Keeping pet rabbits in secure enclosures to avoid contact with wild rabbits and hares.
• Using insect and fly control measures around rabbit housing to minimise transmission.
• Quarantining new rabbits for at least 5-7 days before introducing them to existing rabbits.
• Ensuring hay and straw come from reputable suppliers and are stored properly to avoid exposure to insects or wild rabbits.

Preventing VHD is vital as the disease has no effective treatment. Staying vigilant with yearly vaccinations and maintaining strict biosecurity can save your rabbit’s life.

If you ever suspect a rabbit has died from VHD, informing your vet helps alert other owners and vets, aiding in community disease control.

By combining vaccination with careful management, you can help keep your rabbit safe, healthy, and happy in your care.

For those interested in obtaining rabbits, consider purchasing from reputable breeders who uphold health screening and provide vaccinated, well-socialised animals.