Local vets urge action against killer new rabbit disease
Vets become first in area to vaccinate rabbits against deadly new disease.
Selby
A local veterinary practice is at the forefront of efforts to stop a deadly new strain of a virus that is attacking pets.
The new strain of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2) has already killed hundreds of rabbits in the south of the UK since arriving from the continent and is slowly spreading, putting an estimated 1.2 million bunnies at risk nationally.
Symptoms of the new strain include internal and external bleeding, seizures, weight loss, fever and jaundice. 25% of all infected rabbits die from the disease.
Holmefield Vets, based in Brayton, have become one of the first vets in the area to obtain vaccine.
Louise Davison, director of the surgery, told us, “Cases of RHDV2 have already been recorded in West Yorkshire but thankfully none have yet been reported in our area. However, the virus is easily spread – for example through insect bites, direct contact with other rabbits, saliva, urine, faeces, clothing and shoes. Our clients have been asking about a vaccine but none is currently available with a UK licence. However, we have secured supplies from France and are now providing vaccinations.”
Earlier this week Kayleigh Richardson’s rabbit, Ziggy, became the first pet to be given the new vaccine at the surgery.
Kayleigh, who lives in Brayton, said: “Ziggy was the first of my five rabbits to be vaccinated. I’m a volunteer with the Rabbit Welfare Association so I’ve seen a great deal of research material on RHDV2. It’s a deadly disease and I think it’s only a matter of time before it reaches the Selby area so I would urge rabbit owners to get their pets vaccinated.”