A new strain of Rabbit Calicivirus RHDV2 may have disastrous impact on pet rabbits. The current vaccine for rabbit calicivirus is not fully protective against the RHDV2.We strongly recommend continuing to vaccinate against rabbit haemorrhagic disease to provide the best protection at present, against the new strain. A revised vaccination protocol may help, using the only vaccine currently available in Australia.We now recommend to vaccinate young rabbits at 8 and 12 weeks of age and then every 6 month. We strongly recommend housing rabbits indoors or in an enclosed environment. Rabbit Flea Control is essential. Good Hygiene on the part of the owners is strongly recommended. Washing hands carefully before handling rabbits. Quarantine new rabbits for one week. Control flies, rodents and birds as they can be potential virus carriers.
