Vets warn of killer rabbit disease on the rise across Yorkshire
Calder Vets, which has 13 practices across the region, is urging all rabbit owners to make sure their pets have up-to-date vaccinations to safeguard against a new strain of viral haemorrhagic disease known as VHD 2.
VHD 2 is a highly-infectious condition which primarily affects a rabbit’s liver, causing uncontrollable haemorrhages in one or more parts of the body and usually leads to death within hours of the animal falling ill.
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Hide AdNatalie McQuire, lead vet at Calder’s Halton practice in Leeds, said: “This condition is spreading through the UK and we are concerned it could be on the rise in Yorkshire.
“I’ve seen two cases myself in recent weeks and it is likely there are more cases out there. However, unfortunately the only way to make an accurate diagnosis is after death with a post-mortem
examination.
“It is highly infectious and causes sudden death, often with no tell-tale signs the rabbit is unwell. Most rabbit owners don’t then bring their pets into us after they have sadly died.”
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Hide AdThe new variant of the virus has been in the UK since 2014. It is very hardy and can survive in the ground for many months.
It can be transmitted between rabbits via direct contact, insects such as flies, or on hay orvegetables. People may also bring it home on their feet after walking outside.
Natalie added that rabbits vaccinated with the standard myxomatosis/RHVD vaccine are not
protected against this newer strain so need this additional protection to ensure they are not at risk.
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Hide AdShe explained: “There is currently no treatment available which means the majority of rabbits die.
That’s why it’s so important to make sure your rabbit’s vaccinations are up to date and effective.
“We recommend that rabbits are vaccinated to guard against VHD 2 as soon as possible.”
For more information about Calder Vets, which has practices in Dewsbury, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Horbury, Tingley, Denby Dale, Mirfield, Sandal, Brighouse, Heckmondwike, Penistone, Waterloo and Halton, visit www.caldervets.co.uk.