Rabbit vaccines: myxomatosis and haemorrhagic disease

Vaccinating a rabbit is not an extra or an optional expense: it is what separates a protected rabbit from one exposed to two deadly diseases that circulate throughout the UK. This guide explains what the vaccine protects against, the schedule and why even rabbits that never go outside need it.

Why vaccinate a rabbit

Myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease are widespread in the UK, highly contagious and, once the rabbit falls ill, have virtually no treatment: most infected rabbits die. There is no reliable cure; there is only prevention.

That prevention is the vaccine. It is safe, simple and given by a vet during a quick visit. The difference between a vaccinated rabbit and an unvaccinated one can literally be life or death.

Myxomatosis

Myxomatosis is a viral disease that causes characteristic swellings on the head, eyelids, ears and genital area, difficulty eating and seeing, and a general decline that usually ends in the rabbit's death.

It is spread mainly by biting insects —mosquitoes and fleas— and also by direct contact between rabbits. Because mosquitoes get into homes, no rabbit is free of risk just by living indoors. There are more cases in the warm season, when insects are abundant.

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHDV)

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHDV) affects the rabbit's liver and blood clotting. It is especially feared for three reasons: it is extremely contagious, the virus is very resistant in the environment, and mortality is extremely high. There are different variants of the virus, including the well-known RHDV2.

Often the rabbit is found dead suddenly, with no clear prior symptoms. The virus can reach an indoor rabbit via our clothes, hands, shoes or plants brought in from outside. That is why vaccination is essential for any rabbit.

What if my rabbit never goes outside?

This is the most common question, and the answer is clear: indoor rabbits must be vaccinated too. Myxomatosis travels on mosquitoes that come in through windows; haemorrhagic disease is so contagious and resistant that it can be carried into the home on anyone's clothing. Living indoors reduces some risk, but it does not protect against these two diseases.

Schedule and combined vaccine

Today there are combined vaccines that protect against myxomatosis and haemorrhagic disease in a single dose, which greatly simplifies the schedule. As a general guide:

• First vaccination · from 5-10 weeks of age, depending on the vaccine and the vet's judgement.
• Annual booster · a revaccination each year for the rest of the rabbit's life.
• The exact schedule (which vaccine, at what weeks, how often) is set by the exotics vet based on availability and the situation in your area.

Where to vaccinate and cost

Rabbit vaccines are given by a vet specialising in exotic animals — not every practice treats rabbits regularly, and the rabbit deserves a professional used to its physiology. As a guide, annual vaccination costs around €30-55 in the UK, and includes the accompanying check-up, a good moment to review the rabbit's overall condition. If you adopt through a rescue, ask which vaccines it has already had and which are still due.

Prevention beyond the vaccine

The vaccine is the foundation, but it is complemented by other measures:

• Insect control at home: window screens, especially in the warm season.
• Parasite treatments as advised by the vet — fleas also transmit myxomatosis.
• Hygiene when handling the rabbit if you have been in contact with other rabbits or the countryside.
• Wash thoroughly any vegetables and grass you give it if they come from outdoors.
• Regular vet check-ups and watch for any change in its condition.

In short: myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease kill rabbits every year in the UK, are highly contagious and have virtually no treatment — the vaccine is the only real protection. Vaccinate your rabbit, even if it lives indoors, with the annual schedule set by an exotics vet, and back it up with insect control and hygiene. It is the most important preventive decision for your rabbit's life.