Rabbit Vaccinations: Myxomatosis and RHD Explained

Quick answer

Pet rabbits are mainly vaccinated against three deadly viral diseases: myxomatosis and the two main strains of rabbit haemorrhagic disease, RHD1 and RHD2 (also called RVHD or VHD). Which vaccines exist, and which your vet can give, varies a lot by country. Where they are available, vets usually recommend them for every rabbit, indoor or outdoor, with a booster each year.

The diseases

Myxomatosis

Myxomatosis is caused by the myxoma virus. It spreads mainly through biting insects such as fleas and mosquitoes, and by direct contact with infected rabbits. Wild rabbits often carry it, so pet rabbits living near them are at higher risk, but insects can bring it indoors too.

Typical signs include swollen, puffy eyelids, often with discharge, and swelling around the nose, lips, ears and genitals. Affected rabbits become dull, stop eating and may struggle to breathe. In unvaccinated rabbits it is usually fatal, and there is no specific cure; vets can only offer supportive care, and euthanasia is often the kindest option. Vaccinated rabbits that catch it usually get a much milder illness, sometimes just a few skin lumps.

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD1 and RHD2)

RHD is caused by a calicivirus. There are two main strains, RHD1 and RHD2, and protection against one does not reliably protect against the other. The virus is tough. It can survive for a long time in the environment and spreads on objects as much as through direct contact: shoes, clothing, hands, hay, food, bedding, insects and birds can all carry it. That is why indoor rabbits are not safe just because they never meet another rabbit.

RHD often kills quickly. Many rabbits are simply found dead, sometimes with a little blood from the nose or mouth. Others show fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, breathing difficulty or collapse before dying. RHD2 can cause a slower illness in some rabbits and also affects young kits. There is no cure; treatment is supportive at best.

Which vaccines are available?

This is where location matters. Rabbit vaccines are licensed country by country, and the situation keeps changing. A few examples show how much it varies:

• In the UK and much of Europe, a combined vaccine covering myxomatosis, RHD1 and RHD2 is widely used, given once a year. For rabbits at higher risk, such as rescues and large groups, some vets also give a second RHD vaccine at least two weeks apart from the combined one, so ask what your vet recommends for yours.
• In the United States, an RHD2 vaccine is available through vets, given as an initial course of two doses followed by boosters. A myxomatosis vaccine is not available there.
• In some other countries, only certain vaccines are licensed, they may be imported in limited supply, or there may be none for pet rabbits at all.

So the honest answer to "which vaccines does my rabbit need?" is: ask a local vet who treats rabbits. They will know which diseases are present in your area and which products they can get.

When to vaccinate

Minimum ages depend on the product. The UK combined vaccine, for example, can be given from about five weeks old, while some other products start later. If two different vaccines are needed, they are usually given a set number of weeks apart rather than on the same day, because they are not licensed to be combined. Your vet will plan the timing.

After the first course, most rabbit vaccines need a booster every 12 months. Letting a booster lapse leaves your rabbit unprotected, so put the due date in your phone. If you have missed one, ask your vet whether a single booster is enough or the starter course needs repeating.

A vaccine visit is also a good time for a general health check: weight, teeth, ears, coat and the rear end. Dental problems in particular are easy to miss at home (see Rabbit Teeth Problems).

Side effects

Most rabbits have no reaction. When side effects happen they are usually mild and pass within a day or two: a little tiredness, eating slightly less, or a small, firm lump at the injection site. Contact your vet if your rabbit stops eating, seems in pain or is unwell for more than a day, because a rabbit that goes off its food can develop gut problems quickly.

No vaccine is 100% effective, and some rabbits are too ill to be vaccinated. Vaccination lowers the risk a great deal, and vaccinated rabbits that do get ill usually do much better.

Other ways to protect your rabbit

These steps help every rabbit, and they are the main defence where vaccines aren't available:

• Control insects. Use a rabbit-safe flea treatment recommended by your vet, fit insect mesh over outdoor hutches and runs, and keep standing water away from rabbit areas to reduce mosquitoes. Some flea products made for dogs and cats are dangerous to rabbits, so only use what your vet advises.
• Keep wild rabbits away. Don't let pet rabbits graze where wild rabbits feed, and make sure runs are secure.
• Be careful with grass and greens. Avoid picking forage from areas used by wild rabbits.
• Practise basic hygiene. Wash your hands and change shoes and clothing after visiting other rabbits, shows or rescues.
• Quarantine new rabbits. Keep a new rabbit separate for a couple of weeks and check it is healthy before introductions.
• Buy from careful sellers. Ask whether the rabbit has been vaccinated, with what, and when the next dose is due. Ask for the paperwork.

When to see a vet

Call a vet immediately if your rabbit:

• has swollen, puffy or crusted eyes, or swelling around the face, ears or genitals;
• has bleeding from the nose, mouth or rear end;
• is suddenly very dull, weak or collapsed;
• has difficulty breathing;
• stops eating or passing droppings.

If a rabbit dies suddenly and RHD is possible, tell your vet before you handle other rabbits or their things. They can advise on testing and on disinfecting, and in some countries these diseases must be reported. Keep any other rabbits away from the area until you know more.

For everyday care beyond vaccines, see Rabbit Care for Beginners. If you are buying, ask for vaccination records along with diet and health history; you can find small-pet listings on Paalo.