Rabbit vaccination: myxomatosis and HBV

Most people think that they’re involved in vaccinating animals, mostly dogs and cats, or maybe horses, but there are other animals that should be vaccinated periodically for example, rabbits. Unvaccinated rabbits even at home, even on the street are at risk of getting some very dangerous diseases.

Rabbit vaccination: myxomatosis and HBV

Is vaccination of rabbits really necessary?

You might think that vaccinating pets is, in part, a way vets make easy money. However, it should be remembered that vaccination is a common practice with which veterinarians care about animal welfare.

The main causes of pet diseases are often few obvious since veterinary medicine saves countless lives completely not in public. Vaccination, of course, does not give 100% a guarantee, but with its help you can still successfully deal with by many, including potentially fatal diseases. Rabbits in this case are definitely no exception.

What diseases are rabbits vaccinated against?

Rabbits can be exposed to several common infections, but currently vaccination is usually done against myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease (HBVC).

Myxomatosis

Myxomatosis is the most famous disease of rabbits. It has a devastating effect on their body and causes numerous painful symptoms.

The first signs are usually swollen eyes and swelling. around the head. Owing to such swollen eyes, owners often call to vets and they say that the rabbit has red eyes. In many in cases, the owners of the rabbits decide to euthanize the pet, to avoid his further suffering.

The disease can also cause swelling of the lips and ears. At most rabbits develop inflammation on the genitals and in rectal area.

Usually after 24 hours of swelling of the eyes, it becomes so strong, which causes blindness. In addition, a painful condition blindness, inability to drink and eat fast complicated.

Although some rabbits may live for several weeks or even months, death usually occurs on 10-12 day. Although not all rabbits die from the disease, however, those who survive need a long recovery period and they still have large scars on the head and body.

How is myxomatosis spread?

The disease is transmitted by a rabbit flea, which differs from fleas in cats and dogs. Myxomatosis is also sometimes transmitted. blood-sucking insects such as mosquitoes. Virus can survive in blood fleas even during winter.

The incubation period of the virus in unvaccinated rabbits after contact with an infected insect is 5 to 14 days. For infecting a small enough amount of live virus so that it got into the blood of a rabbit.

Viral hemorrhagic disease (HBV)

Infection with HBV almost always results in death rabbits. In addition, the virus spreads very quickly. At An animal may have the following symptoms:

  • refusal of food
  • nosebleed
  • heat

In a rabbit, internal bleeding in the lungs may begin, intestines and urinary tract.

How is HBVC distributed?

The virus spreads through direct contact between rabbits, both domestic and wild. However, it is also distributed through contact with people contaminated with clothing and their shoes. Dirty cells and bedding can also contribute to the spread of HBVC.

How are rabbits vaccinated?

Myxomatosis vaccines can be given to rabbits older 6 weeks of age, versus HBV – older than 5 weeks (as vaccines are usually given between 10 and 12 weeks old). Vaccine administered as an injection. Rabbit owners need to know that for vaccine efficacy needs at least 14 days.

Today, there are combination vaccines against both. viruses. Vaccination should be carried out annually, and in some areas where the risk of infection is very high, even more often.

How else can you protect a rabbit?

These diseases can only be prevented in two ways: insect control and vaccination. Rabbit owners should carefully monitor their fleas and keep them safe distance from any wild rabbits.

Rabbit litter should be kept dry and replaced regularly. this will help reduce the attraction of insects such as mosquitoes.

Although no vaccine can guarantee 100% protection, prevention, in any case, is better than treatment. When myxomatosis and HBV, vaccination is the only way to develop immunity in rabbits.

Like this post? Please share to your friends:
Leave a Reply

;-) :| :x :twisted: :smile: :shock: :sad: :roll: :razz: :oops: :o :mrgreen: :lol: :idea: :grin: :evil: :cry: :cool: :arrow: :???: :?: :!: