Companion Animal Welfare

Companion Rabbit Vaccination: Myxomatosis and RVHD

Myxomatosis and Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RVHD1 and RVHD2) are severe, often fatal diseases of rabbits that are largely preventable through vaccination.

Key Facts

Myxomatosis causes severe swelling, blindness and death within 10-14 days in unvaccinated rabbits
RVHD2 is spreading rapidly across Europe and can kill healthy rabbits within hours
Both diseases are spread by insects (myxomatosis) and contact/environmental contamination (RVHD)
Annual or 6-monthly vaccination provides strong protection against all three diseases
Wild rabbit populations also suffer from these diseases, and domestic rabbits can acquire infection in gardens

Welfare Considerations

Myxomatosis and RVHD cause agonising deaths that are entirely preventable. Many pet rabbit owners are unaware that their indoor rabbits are at risk from insect transmission or contaminated hay. Ensuring all pet rabbits are vaccinated is one of the most impactful single welfare actions any rabbit owner can take.

What You Can Do

Ensure your rabbits are vaccinated annually against myxomatosis and RVHD1 and RVHD2
Register newly acquired rabbits with a vet within the first weeks of ownership
Keep rabbits housed in insect-resistant enclosures especially in summer
Educate other rabbit owners about the importance of vaccination