Rabbit Calicivirus in Sydney

an important message for sydney rabbit owners

A wild rabbit control program is scheduled for the Greater Sydney Local Government Areas, including the Central Coast, in early March 2025 and will include the release of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV1-K5), a rabbit calicivirus K5 strain. This can affect all rabbits – including pets. Please ensure your rabbits are vaccinated prior to March 1 to prevent them contracting this deadly virus.

Understanding RHDV1-K5

Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV1-K5) is a potent strain of calicivirus specifically targeting rabbit populations. While it serves as an effective measure for controlling wild rabbit numbers, it poses a significant threat to domestic rabbits. The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact between rabbits or via contaminated objects, food, and bedding. Once infected, rabbits often exhibit minimal symptoms before succumbing rapidly to the disease.

Signs of Infection

Unfortunately, RHDV1-K5 progresses rapidly, and many infected rabbits show no obvious symptoms before sudden death. However, possible signs of infection include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy or reluctance to move
  • Fever
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Bleeding from the nose, mouth, or bottom
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)

Vaccination: Your Rabbit’s Best Defense

Vaccination stands as the most reliable method to protect your pet rabbit from RHDV1-K5. The Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW recomments that all pet rabbits receive their vaccinations before March 1, 2025, to ensure immunity prior to the virus’s release. At The Wild Vet, we vaccinate rabbits with Filavac. Unlike Cylap, this bivalent vaccine ensures rabbits are protected against RHDV1 and RHDV2

Additional Protective Measures

Beyond vaccination, rabbit owners should implement the following precautions to minimise the risk of infection:

  • Indoor Housing: Keep your rabbits indoors to reduce exposure to the virus present in the environment.
  • Hygiene Practices: Regularly clean and disinfect your rabbit’s living areas, including cages, food bowls, and toys. Ensure uneaten food is removed on a daily basis
  • Controlled Diet: Avoid feeding your rabbits grass or plants from areas where wild rabbits may roam, as these could be contaminated.
  • Limit Outdoor Access: If your rabbit must go outside, supervise them closely and prevent contact with wild rabbits or their droppings.
  • Control Insects: control insects indoors and outdoors (particularly flies), and ensure parasite prevention is up-to-date.

Stay Informed

For the most current information on the RHDV1-K5 release and guidelines for pet rabbit owners, refer to the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW’s official communications. Staying informed will help you take timely actions to safeguard your rabbit’s health.