Rabbit Calicivirus

keep them safe with a vaccination

A small, gray rabbit with white paws sits upright on a weathered brown tree stump. The rabbit faces forward, looking directly at the viewer. It has long, pointed ears and delicate white whiskers. The background is a soft, blurred green, suggesting foliage. The lighting is natural, highlighting the texture of the rabbit's fur and the stump.

Rabbit Calicivirus

Calicivirus, or Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV), is a virus that causes death within 48 to 72 hours of infection. Some rabbits will show no signs of infection before passing away, while others may exhibit a fever or lethargy. There is no cure.
Calicivirus was introduced in Australia in an attempt to control the feral rabbit population. Unfortunately, pet rabbits are collateral damage in these eradication attempts.

The virus is highly transmissible, which is why it is effective on feral rabbit populations. Infection is spread by direct contact with other infected rabbits or their urine, faeces, or saliva. Insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, and flies can carry it from one rabbit to another. The virus can also be spread by contaminated clothing and objects.

Vaccination

Vaccination is the most crucial and effective measure in preventing RHDV. Here at Paws At Prospect Vet, we provide comprehensive protection by vaccinating against both the classic RHDV1 strain and the more recently emerged and often more virulent RHDV2 strain.

A single annual vaccination is necessary to maintain immunity against the deadly virus. Rabbits can be vaccinated from 10 weeks of age.

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A fair-skinned woman with blonde hair pulled back is carefully examining the ear of a small, brown and grey patterned rabbit. The woman is wearing a light blue, button-up shirt with a Paws At Prospect logo on the left breast. She is holding a small, metallic instrument with green accents near the rabbit's ear, and her other hand gently holds the rabbit's ear open. The rabbit is lying on a bright blue, textured mat on a light-colored surface. The background is a plain, off-white wall. The lighting is bright and even, illuminating the scene clearly.
A small, light brown rabbit sits on pebbles among green grass and yellow flowers.

Prevention

Along with annual vaccinations, additional precautions can help protect rabbits from Calicivirus:

  • Keep rabbits indoors during warmer months to reduce exposure to insects and heat stress
  • Use fly screens to prevent insects from entering their enclosures
  • Reduce insects in your house and backyard by changing stagnant water daily (water bowls, bird baths, etc.) and using insect barrier sprays or bug catchers
  • Maintain good hygiene and husbandry practices, such as washing your hands before handling your rabbit and regularly cleaning and disinfecting their cage, bowls, and belongings
  • Change clothes and wash hands after handling other rabbits (e.g., at a petting zoo or a friend’s house)
  • Avoid contact with other rabbits to minimise the risk of transmission
  • Quarantine new rabbits before introducing them. Keep them isolated for at least 2–4 weeks to monitor for signs of illness before allowing contact with existing rabbits

Rabbit Care

For advice and information on how to care for rabbits, we recommend The Unusual Pet Vets’ online catalogue of guides and resources. Visit The Usual Pet Vet to learn more!

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Contact

Location

52 Main North Rd
Prospect SA 5082
Parking is at the rear of the building with access via Main North Rd or Wilson St.

Opening times

Monday-Friday: 8.00am – 6.30pm Saturday: 8.00am – 12.30pm Sunday: Closed Public Holidays: Closed

Paws at Prospect Vet

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