This is copied from a leaflet my vet gave me when I got Beano and took her for her first injection and my dad said they were piontless, they are certaintly not. I (and he now) would never leave Beano or Gordon unvaccinated.
This leaflet is about VHD, Prevention is the only cure.
What is VHD
VHD is a highly infectious disease of rabbits which causes bleeding from various organs in the body. In the vast majority of cases, the disease is fatal and spotting it is usually death.
Is my rabbit at risk
Both indoor and outdoor rabbits are at risk, becasue direct contact of an infected rabbit is not needed for the disease to spread. The virus can survive several months in the environment and can be carried on peoples clothes/shoes.
How can I protect my rabbit
The only effective protection is by vaccination. Boosters are needed every year.
And this one is about the benefits of vaccinations
Why vaccinate?
Rabbits are very at risk from life threatening diseases, two in particular, mxyomatosis and VHD weather they live indoors or outdoors. Vaccinations are the only way to effectively protect your rabbits.
Myxomatosis
This a disease spread by blood sucking insects and the virus multiplies in the skin of the face, ears and anus in rabbits and causes large swellings, these swellings make it difficult for the rabbit to see, eat and drink. It is incredibly painful and death takes around 12 days. Boosters for mxyi will be needed every six months to fully protect your rabbit.
Vaccination Q & A
I have never seen VHD before, do I need to vaccinate?
The reason that this disease is not often observed in wild rabbits becuase affected rabbits die so quickly. Often, and all to distressingly, the first sign of infection is death. Outbreaks often occur with no warning.
Why does my rabbit need boosters?
Vaccination does not provide lifelong protection. Because of the severity of the diseases a high level of immunity needs to be maintained.
ETA: Sorry for the long post, and this is after I shortened it!
