New Variant RVHD- Known as 'RVHD2' U/D 15th October 2024

[Jack's-Jane]

RU Admin have requested that I post this thread which will hopefully inform anyone reading it about the new variant RVHD (Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease)- known as 'RVHD2'.

RVHD2 is now endemic within the UK and it poses a threat to all Rabbits. The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) provide detailed information about RVHD2 and how we, as responsible Pet Owners, can do everything possible to protect our Rabbits.

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-health/rabbit-vhd/

There are two vaccines available in the UK which are licensed to offer protection against RVHD2, the vaccines are FILAVAC and ERAVAC

further information here :

http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/showthread.php?472636-Vaccinations-2019&p=7041560#post7041560

There were a few Facebook Groups where people were posting to report the location of suspected/confirmed cases of RVHD2. Most of these Groups are now CLOSED as RVHD2 is a nationwide, well established and constant threat to ALL Rabbits. One Facebook Group that remains open is this one

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MyxomatosismapfortheUK/

The Group I felt to be the best was this one

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1744958082388756/?epa=SEARCH_BOX

Sadly because of the nature of both RVHD1 and RVHD2 most cases will not be notified to the Veterinary profession. The majority of Pet Rabbit owners appear to be unlikely to request a Post Mortem if their Rabbit dies suddenly and unexpectedly. So a Vet may claim never to hear of any cases of RVHD1 or RVHD2, not because the diseases are not in the area, but that they have not been asked to investigate 'sudden deaths'.

The more Rabbit Savvy your Vet is the more likely it is that he/she will be very up to date regarding RVHD2 and they will be best placed to advise you about frequency of vaccinations etc.

RVHD2 has had a devastating impact on both the Wild Rabbit population and on Pet Rabbits. Sadly it has now been confirmed to affect the European Hare

https://www.facebook.com/groups/HPT...2302790509739706&comment_tracking={"tn":"R0"}

The most important information to take away from this post is to VACCINATE your Rabbits. This applies to both indoor and outdoor Rabbits, single Rabbits, Rabbits in Urban areas. RVHD2 takes no prisoners, it takes lives. It takes them suddenly, usually with absolutely no warning signs.

Finally, this Blog was written by a person who had the misfortune to experience an outbreak of RVHD2 at her small Rescue. The Author is now studying Veterinary Medicine and the Blog she kept is certainly worth a read.

https://rhd2diary.wordpress.com/TH17th

 

[Amy & Amber]

Thank you Jane

 

[Zoobec]

This is great thankyou Jane :thumb:

 

[KarenM]

Thanks Jane, this will be very useful.

Just to add too that the facebook page Jane already mentioned https://www.facebook.com/groups/MyxomatosismapfortheUK/ also lists suspected/confirmed cases of myxomatosis and RVHD so is a good source of info for all 3.

 

[Jack's-Jane]

Thanks Jane, this will be very useful.

Just to add too that the facebook page Jane already mentioned https://www.facebook.com/groups/MyxomatosismapfortheUK/ also lists suspected/confirmed cases of myxomatosis and RVHD so is a good source of info for all 3.

Myxo is certainly still just as much of a threat as ever

 

[KarenM]

Myxo is certainly still just as much of a threat as ever

Unfortunately so.

 

[Zoobec]

RHD2 is so prevalent now that we need to assume it's a problem across the country. If anyone needs answers to anything not covered in this thread, you are welcome to start a new thread in health :thumb:

 

[keletkezes]

RHD2 vaccination 'failure' clarification

RWAF tweeted a post about reported failures in the RHD2 vaccine today, the text of which follows. TL: DR - please vaccinate your rabbits, no vaccine is ever 100% effective, please take extra precautions if necessary.

We here at the RWAF are aware of a number of posts regarding cases of RVHD2 following vaccination, and, whilst new information is constantly being obtained and updated, we wanted to make a statement.

Firstly, it is REALLY important to obtain that information, and to make sure it is being reported properly, to the correct authorities, and with as much detail as possible. Only then can accurate data be obtained and decisions made. Its possible to hear of the same case from multiple sources and forums, and equally, to not hear about some rabbits at all. So we do urge people to ask their vet to report any concerns about vaccine side effects or failure (or any drug adverse reaction) to both the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, and to the drug/vaccine company directly. Reporting it to the company as well means that they can act more quickly, and may be able to offer advice and assistance. So far, both the VMD and Filavac have monitored the situation and not found higher than expected numbers of vaccine failures.

Secondly, it is important to realise that no vaccine offers 100% protection, and that sensible biosecurity measures should also be employed, especially after cases of RVHD2 have been suspected or confirmed in an area. And sadly some of those unprotected rabbits will succumb to the disease, even with a protective dose value of 90% for Filavac and sufficient antibody titre of ≥70% for Eravac.
Currently only about 14% of UK domestic rabbits are vaccinated against RVHD2, and that means that the level of protection in the community, or “herd immunity” is poor, making spread of the disease rapid and easy for the virus.Most rabbits (85%) have been vaccinated using Filavac, and so most vaccine failures reported online have been associated with this vaccine.

While we are aware that vaccine failures have been reported, we would urge owners not to stop vaccinating their rabbits, as the current vaccines are the best level of protection we have available. Please continue to report any problems, via your vets, to the VMD and the vaccine manufacturers.

Richard Saunders BVSc DZooMed MRCVS European Veterinary Specialist in Zoo Health Management

Taken from: https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rvhd2-vaccine-failures/

 

[Omi]

How sad that only around 14% are vaccinated

 

[Graciee]

How sad that only around 14% are vaccinated

That's kinda terrifying actually!

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[Omi]

I noticed this article today.

https://www.theguardian.com/environ...er-deadly-virus-killing-rabbits-across-the-uk

 

[Jack's-Jane]

I noticed this article today.

https://www.theguardian.com/environ...er-deadly-virus-killing-rabbits-across-the-uk

Thanks for posting it Omi xx

 

[Juliem]

Hi everyone
I am new to this forum and have found it due to a very sad experience with my granddaughter's 15 week old Lionhead bunny. We bought him and his sister 7 weeks ago as house bunnies and they have been well cared for and loved. They are indoor bunnies. Late last night when my dg went to top up their hay etc she noticed Trevor was not his usual self, very quiet and not interested in his pellets, which he normally gets excited for. He was still eating when we offered him hay and veggies from our hands, so we planned to take him to the vets first thing this morning. We settled him in my dg room on his own so we would know if he was pooping. At 6 30 am my dg heard him moving around, by 7.30 he was gone. We are devastated. He's had a PM this morning, his liver and lungs suggest it was RVHD, but we won't know for sure until his samples are tested. Our vet says he may have been carrying the disease when we got him, I'm not sure how likely that is. We're worried sick about his sister now. They were both only vaccinated on Wednesday, I'm wondering if this would have happened if I'd had it done sooner. I thought indoor bunnies were safe, but when I checked at the vets when we were discussing neutering, I was told that isn't the case, so I had them done then. I feel so guilty and don't know if the vaccine will protect Willow if she's already been exposed. She can have the RVHD2 vaccine next week, but this now seems like a death sentence for her. Any advice would be appreciated. Apologies for the lengthy post.

 

[Jack's-Jane]

Hi everyone
I am new to this forum and have found it due to a very sad experience with my granddaughter's 15 week old Lionhead bunny. We bought him and his sister 7 weeks ago as house bunnies and they have been well cared for and loved. They are indoor bunnies. Late last night when my dg went to top up their hay etc she noticed Trevor was not his usual self, very quiet and not interested in his pellets, which he normally gets excited for. He was still eating when we offered him hay and veggies from our hands, so we planned to take him to the vets first thing this morning. We settled him in my dg room on his own so we would know if he was pooping. At 6 30 am my dg heard him moving around, by 7.30 he was gone. We are devastated. He's had a PM this morning, his liver and lungs suggest it was RVHD, but we won't know for sure until his samples are tested. Our vet says he may have been carrying the disease when we got him, I'm not sure how likely that is. We're worried sick about his sister now. They were both only vaccinated on Wednesday, I'm wondering if this would have happened if I'd had it done sooner. I thought indoor bunnies were safe, but when I checked at the vets when we were discussing neutering, I was told that isn't the case, so I had them done then. I feel so guilty and don't know if the vaccine will protect Willow if she's already been exposed. She can have the RVHD2 vaccine next week, but this now seems like a death sentence for her. Any advice would be appreciated. Apologies for the lengthy post.

Oh I am so sorry for your tragic situation I am assuming that the Vaccination given on Wednesday was the Nobivac Myxo-RHD(1) Vaccine ? Sadly this does not offer any protection against RHD2 I dont know if your Vet could obtain an RHD2 Vaccine called ERAVAC. Most Vets use FILAVAC which covers for RHD1+2, but ERAVAC only cover RHD2. If so then I would ask the Vet if vaccinating the remaining Rabbit with ERAVAC may be an option. TBH I cant see that it could make the situation any worse, and with ERAVAC the Rabbit would not be receiving 2 doses of RHD1 in under 2 weeks.

Eravac Data Sheet here

https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/media/documents/eravac-uk-datasheet-0.pdf

In the meantime I would do a total decontamination clean of the environment the Rabbits occupied using this :

https://www.viovet.co.uk/Anigene-HL...=awin&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=68437

There is some detailed information about RHD2 on these links :

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-health/rabbit-vhd/

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-health/further-reading/rvhd-further-reading/

https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/articles/infectious-disease/rabbit-haemorrhagic-disease

 

[Zoobec]

Hi everyone
I am new to this forum and have found it due to a very sad experience with my granddaughter's 15 week old Lionhead bunny. We bought him and his sister 7 weeks ago as house bunnies and they have been well cared for and loved. They are indoor bunnies. Late last night when my dg went to top up their hay etc she noticed Trevor was not his usual self, very quiet and not interested in his pellets, which he normally gets excited for. He was still eating when we offered him hay and veggies from our hands, so we planned to take him to the vets first thing this morning. We settled him in my dg room on his own so we would know if he was pooping. At 6 30 am my dg heard him moving around, by 7.30 he was gone. We are devastated. He's had a PM this morning, his liver and lungs suggest it was RVHD, but we won't know for sure until his samples are tested. Our vet says he may have been carrying the disease when we got him, I'm not sure how likely that is. We're worried sick about his sister now. They were both only vaccinated on Wednesday, I'm wondering if this would have happened if I'd had it done sooner. I thought indoor bunnies were safe, but when I checked at the vets when we were discussing neutering, I was told that isn't the case, so I had them done then. I feel so guilty and don't know if the vaccine will protect Willow if she's already been exposed. She can have the RVHD2 vaccine next week, but this now seems like a death sentence for her. Any advice would be appreciated. Apologies for the lengthy post.

I’m so sorry for your tragic loss I agree with what Jane has said.

 

[Juliem]

Oh I am so sorry for your tragic situation I am assuming that the Vaccination given on Wednesday was the Nobivac Myxo-RHD(1) Vaccine ? Sadly this does not offer any protection against RHD2 I dont know if your Vet could obtain an RHD2 Vaccine called ERAVAC. Most Vets use FILAVAC which covers for RHD1+2, but ERAVAC only cover RHD2. If so then I would ask the Vet if vaccinating the remaining Rabbit with ERAVAC may be an option. TBH I cant see that it could make the situation any worse, and with ERAVAC the Rabbit would not be receiving 2 doses of RHD1 in under 2 weeks.

Eravac Data Sheet here

https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/media/documents/eravac-uk-datasheet-0.pdf

In the meantime I would do a total decontamination clean of the environment the Rabbits occupied using this :

https://www.viovet.co.uk/Anigene-HL...=awin&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=68437

There is some detailed information about RHD2 on these links :

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-health/rabbit-vhd/

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-health/further-reading/rvhd-further-reading/

https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/articles/infectious-disease/rabbit-haemorrhagic-disease

Thank you for your reply. Yes, that is the vaccine they had. I'm wondering why I wasn't offered the combined vaccine if it was available? I will look into what they plan to give her next Wednesday. I'm assuming it's not good for her to have a second dose of the first vaccine? If they don't offer the single one I'm sure I can find a surgery which does. We've had a thorough clean today, using a solution provided by our vet, but as they're house bunnies, they've been almost everywhere. It would have been easier to clean an outside living area. Just praying now that Willow stays well. Thanks again for the information.

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[susie bun]

I'm so sorry you've lost Trevor, and do hope Willow remains well.

 

[Jack's-Jane]

Thank you for your reply. Yes, that is the vaccine they had. I'm wondering why I wasn't offered the combined vaccine if it was available? I will look into what they plan to give her next Wednesday. I'm assuming it's not good for her to have a second dose of the first vaccine? If they don't offer the single one I'm sure I can find a surgery which does. We've had a thorough clean today, using a solution provided by our vet, but as they're house bunnies, they've been almost everywhere. It would have been easier to clean an outside living area. Just praying now that Willow stays well. Thanks again for the information.

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

Sorry, I am a bit confused.

The Nobivac Myxo-RHD Vaccine is the only 'combined' vaccine BUT it only covers for RHD1 NOT RHD2

http://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-455496

So a second separate vaccine is needed, either Filavac https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/media/documents/filavac.doc

or Eravac https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/media/documents/eravac-uk-datasheet-0.pdf


How is your remaining Rabbit today ?

 

[bunny momma]

I am so sorry for the loss of Trevor and cannot imagine the worry you are experiencing for his sister.
While I cannot give you any advice, I wanted to give you my sincere condolences and send lots of positive vibes for you, your family, and your remaining bunny.
Even though your bunny is a house bunny, you may want to contain her to a smaller area in a puppy pen while you deal with this issue.

 

[Graciee]

Sorry, I am a bit confused.

The Nobivac Myxo-RHD Vaccine is the only 'combined' vaccine BUT it only covers for RHD1 NOT RHD2

http://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-455496

So a second separate vaccine is needed, either Filavac https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/media/documents/filavac.doc

or Eravac https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/media/documents/eravac-uk-datasheet-0.pdf


How is your remaining Rabbit today ?

Yea every bun needs 2 vaccinations in the UK, every year, the RHD2 vaccination can be done every 6 months depending on what your vet suggests for your area



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