Myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease are deadly rabbit diseases with no treatments - vaccination is the only effective protection and is essential for companion rabbit welfare.
Rabbit disease prevention welfare is unambiguous: unvaccinated rabbits that contract myxomatosis suffer a prolonged, painful death that is entirely preventable. The disease causes progressive swelling, blindness and respiratory failure over days to weeks. Welfare-responsible rabbit keeping requires vaccination against all three current disease threats. The emergence of RVHD2 caught many vaccinated rabbit owners by surprise - awareness of vaccination currency and the need for separate RVHD2 protection is a current welfare priority. Indoor rabbits are not safe without vaccination. Annual veterinary health checks ensure vaccination currency and catch other health problems early.