Rabbits need to be vaccinated against two very serious diseases; Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic disease.

Myxomatosis is a serious viral disease of rabbits which is prevalent in wild rabbits in this country. It is spread by blood sucking insects, such as fleas and mosquitoes, so it can affect both outdoor and house rabbits. It causes swelling of the ears, lips, anus and genitalia and most rabbits with the disease will die.
 
Viral Haemorrhagic disease has only been present in this country for a few years, but is a very unwelcome newcomer. It causes sudden death from internal bleeding and most infected animals die very quickly, either with no warning at all or only a short period of illness. The virus can survive for a long time in the environment and can be spread on footwear and clothing.

Both these disease are preventable by vaccination. Recent research has shown that vaccination is most effective if it is performed in early spring, just before the numbers of biting insects rise. Even if your rabbit was vaccinated later last year, we advise that vaccinations are given in April this year and boosters continued in the spring.
 
We will be arranging for extra stocks of the vaccinations be delivered to the practice in the next few weeks in this important period. Please telephone to arrange an appointment during April to have your rabbit vaccinated. As an extra bonus, we will offer 10% off all rabbit vaccinations performed in April.
 
It is possible to vaccinate rabbits at any time of the year, so if you get another rabbit they can be vaccinated later in the year, but you may face a short delay whilst we order vaccine specially for your rabbit. Whenever they receive their first vaccine, we recommend boosters to be given in the spring.

As a part of the vaccination your rabbit will be given a thorough clinical examination, and you  will be advised on how to look after him/her and prevent common problems.

We look forward to seeing you and your rabbit at the surgery soon.