Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), or calicivirus is a virus that typically causes a rapidly fatal disease in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). There are three types of RHDV present in Australia (RHDV1, RHDV1a K5 and RHDV2).
Calicivirus is regularly distributed to eradicate wild rabbit populations in Australia. (typically February/March, and September/October).
Annual vaccinations with Filavac is the only protection we have for our pet rabbits. Rabbits who live outdoors are particularly at risk, but indoor buns are still not fully protected. While Filavac does not cover all three strains of Calici, it assists with immune defense and is the only vaccine that is currently available for coverage of strains RHDV1 & RDVH2.
Calici can travel into your home on the soles of your shoes, hay, clothing etc. It is airborne. Biting/flying insects (flies and mosquitos), fleas and similar also spread this virus.
Other pets that spend time outdoors and enter the home can also bring the virus indoors on their paws or coat.
What can I do to reduce the risk?:
- Vaccinate annually and on time.
- Leave all outside shoes outdoors (in the garage or a container to protect from spiders if outside)
- A spray bottle with F10 solution and paper towel at entrances to disinfect immediate entrance points regularly particularly if other pets come into the house.
- Be insect vigilant e.g. make sure fly screens are in good repair, limit opening doors after dark, bug zappers outside or inside.
Calici virus is fatal and often results in death within 48 hours.