RVHD2 virus UK outbreak warning as pet owners told 'protect your animals'

Pet owners across the UK are being advised to take necessary steps to protect their animals, with the current heatwave potentially triggering a virus outbreak. As temperatures climb in Britain this week, one of the country’s leading veterinary groups, Medivet, has warned that it could result in the potentially fatal Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease Strain 2 (RVHD2) crossing to UK shores from Europe.

This is due to the hot conditions increasing the presence of biting flies that carry the virus, putting close to a million pet rabbits at risk. RVHD2 symptoms include a loss of appetite, fever, lethargy, as well as bleeding from the mouth and nose, and can result in sudden death.

The virus spreads via direct contact, contaminated objects, insects such as mosquitos, ticks and fleas. It can even be transmitted on human clothing, making it highly contagious across both wild and domestic rabbits.

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Dr Rhian Littlehales BSc (Hons) BVSc CertAVP PgCert (VBM) MRCVS, Clinical Governance Director at Medivet, says RVHD2 is an aggressive virus that has caused a lot of rabbit fatalities across Europe in recent months. The vet added: "There’s a very real possibility, while we continue to experience hot weather, this could reach the UK."

She went on: "The current risk means it’s vital that UK rabbit owners stay vigilant and take the necessary precautions in order to limit the risk and keep their beloved pets safe. If you suspect your rabbit has this virus, isolate them immediately and contact your vet."

To aid pet rabbit safety and lower the risk of the spread of RVHD2, Dr Littlehales has shared seven steps for owners to follow. For more advice and information on Medivet, visit: https://www.medivetgroup.com/pet-care/pet-advice/ .

Keep rabbits secure and l imit unnecessary contact

Dr Littlehales said: "Keep pet rabbits indoors or in secure housing for the time being when the risk of infection is high. Use fine-mesh wire (with 1cm gaps) when fencing outdoor enclosures to prevent contact with wild rabbits and insects."

she also says the less contact your pet rabbit has with other rabbits during a high-risk period the better. Dr Littlehales explained: "So, try and avoid rabbit boarding facilities, petting zoos, and any general contact with rabbits outside the household. If taking a new rabbit into your home, keep it in quarantine for at least 30 days. This involves immediately isolating the rabbit by moving it to a dedicated, sterile quarantine room, with no access to other rabbits."

Control contact with insects and rodents

The expert continued: "Foliage rich areas, such as fields and woodland, are areas where wild rabbits roam, so avoid bringing in hay, grass or fresh vegetation from these areas. Be sure to use sealed water sources for domesticated rabbits, such as drinking bottles instead of open water bowls."

She added: "Install mosquito nets and fly screens around the sides of your sterile, clean rabbit enclosure to combat the risk of contamination. You can also use insect repellent but be sure to check with your vet that it’s safe for rabbits.”

Strict hygiene and disinfection is key

The vet also said: "Just like preventing the spread of any illness, cleanliness is hugely important. Owners should wash their hands thoroughly before handling rabbits. Be sure to regularly disinfect all surfaces, cages, and equipment to reduce the risk of infection. This can be done by using 10% bleach solution, or other suitable alternatives.

"It’s also important not to share communal pet items, such as bowls, carriers, or toys between rabbits who do not already live together in familial groups."

Keep rabbits vaccinated

Dr Littlehales says it is essential to keep up to date with your pet rabbit’s routine yearly vaccinations, "which will provide protection against the strains of the disease currently seen commonly in the UK". She also says it will help protect against other harmful illnesses such as Myxomatosis, a virus that attacks a rabbit’s skin, eyes, lung, liver and genitals.

She said: "There is some anecdotal evidence that suggests that these vaccines may also provide a degree of protection against the new strain of viral haemorrhagic disease; therefore, it is wise to ensure that your bunny is up to date with their vaccines. When it comes to combating this particular virus strain, there is a vaccine which exists that has been found to be protective against both the existing UK strains and the new strain of the virus.

"This vaccine is currently out of stock in the UK, so veterinary bodies are monitoring availability closely, and updates will be provided as soon as stock becomes accessible. Getting vaccine boosters against RHD and Myxomatosis should be done annually to maintain effectiveness."