Vaccinating your rabbit is an important way to keep him/her healthy. In Australia, the only rabbit vaccines available is for the Calici virus, which causes rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease. There are currently two vaccines available in Australia.
What is Filavac?
Filavac K C + V is an inactivated vaccine for rabbits against RHDV (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus) types 1 and 2. The type 2 strain is derived from the European rather than Australian strain and while specific cover against the current dominant Australian strain is unknown, it is expected to be good.
What visus are we vaccinating rabbits against?
Calicivirus, or rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease (RHDV):
Leads to rapid internal bleeding, causing death in rabbits. It's over 99% fatvirusesal to unvaccinated rabbits, with infected rabbits dying without warning. Any exposed unvaccinated rabbit is highly likely to succumb. The virus is transmitted on various surfaces, including clothes, shoes, and car tyres, as well as through flying and biting insects. This means that even if your rabbit is indoors, they can still be exposed to the virus. Recently, calicivirus mutated into a new strain—RHDV-2. While this strain is marginally less fatal than the original RHDV-1, the majority of exposed unvaccinated rabbits will still face a grim outcome.
How often and when does my bunny get the vaccine?
Filavac is a single vaccination from 10 weeks of age that provides immunity 7 days later and lasts 12 months, an annual booster should be given every 12 months for life.
It is recommended that your bunny still has a general check-up every 6 months.
What side effects are there to vaccinating rabbits?
- fever
- lethargy
- a subcutaneous nodule at the vaccination site
We only have Filavac vaccines available and our veterinarians will assist you with any questions or concerns.