RHD outbreak advice

[lauraj27]

Hi there,

It's been a while since I've posted - we lost our 13 and half year old bunny, Cleo earlier this year due ti arthritis (she lost complete use of both back legs and one front leg so we had to PTS).

We now have a new bun, Cloud who has had Nobivac Myxo RHD PLUS back in June but we've not had a chance to have the RHD2 vaccine. He is an indoor rabbit, but windows/back door are often left open during the day due it being quite warm.

We have been made aware that there has been an outbreak of RHD in Kidsgrove, Stoke on Trent which is approximately 4 miles from us. This has got us extremely worried, especially as to get to our vets we do have to go near/through Kidsgrove - there aren't any other routes.

I really don't know what to do - whether to take the risk of driving him near/through the area where the outbreak is to get him to the vets to get the RHD2 vaccine or whether to leave him as is for now. We have a hard time trusting our judgement as lots of things have gone very wrong lately so it seems we always make the wrong decision.

A home visit from the vet isn't really a possibility as they are 10 miles away and they themselves would have to go through the area where the outbreak is,.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Shimmer]

I would be inclined to get the vaccine done as soon as possible to give your rabbit the best protection against a fatal virus.

As for the travelling - if you are driving door to door, you are minimising the risk. For additional peace of mind, you could disinfect the carrier when you get home. I would avoid eg walking around areas where there other rabbits (eg pet shops) or where there are wild rabbits, particularly in areas of known RHD2 as you could inadvertently pick it up.

Don't forget that the vaccine will take a week or two to take effect - it's not instant.

 

[InspectorMorse]

Make sure the practice has Yurvac in stock, not all practices do.