Rabbits should be vaccinated every year against 2 diseases, Myxomatosis and Vrial Haemorrhagic Diease (VHD).  Both these diseases are very serious and usually fatal if your rabbit is unvaccinated and catches them.  Here we explain more about them, and how vaccination could save your rabbits life.  

Myxomatosis

  • Myxomatosis is a virus which causes a nasty upper respiratory infection.  Rabbits get snotty noses, sticky eye discharge which can be so thick they cannot see, and swelling around the head and face.
  • It is spread by fleas or other biting insects, which pass it from the wild rabbit population to pet rabbits.  For more advice on treating fleas on rabbits, click here
  • Vaccination against myxomatosis can be given from 6 weeks of age, but more usually is given at 12 weeks.
  • Rabbits are vaccinated every 6 months if they are in a high risk area, such as in rural gardens or there are wild rabbits near where they live, or every 12 months if the risk is lower.
  • About 10% of the vaccination is given intra-dermally, which means in the skin rather than under the skin (subcutaneously), this is so the rabbits immune system will respond correctly and give the highest level of protection.  After vaccination, your rabbit may develop a lump where this was done, but it will go down in a few days.
  • Treating  a rabbit with Myxomatosis is very difficult, they need high levels of intensive care, and often do not survive anyway.  Prevention is much better than cure!


A rabbit suffering from myxomatosis, showing eye and nasal discharge and swelling around the eyes



Viral Haemorragic disease (VHD)

  • VHD is a nasty virus which is almost 100% fatal, infected rabbits develop high temperatures, refuse to eat, bleed from the nose, have internal and can even fit. 
  • VHD is spread by direct contact between rabbits, and also via indirect contact  such as from people, bedding, shoes ect.  Therefore both indoor and outdoor rabbits are at risk.
  • Vaccination is very successful and can be given from 12-14 weeks of age, and needs to be boosted every year.
  • VHD is almost always fatal and there is no cure, if a rabbit does survive, it will be infectious to others.
Rabbit vaccination is easy, quick and your rabbit will hardly feel it!  They will have protection against these nasty disease.  Remember PREVENTION IS THE ONLY CURE!

Please note this is an advice only website, if you have any specific concerns or queries about your pet, you should contact your vet.