We have just received the following information from the Australian Veterinary Association about the rabbit calicivirus vaccine
rabbit isolated on a white background
:
From today, a new strain of calicivirus (RHDV1 K5) is being released across Australia to help land owners control wild rabbits.
AVA’s advice to owners of pet rabbits is to ensure their rabbits are vaccinated.
However, we have just been advised that stocks of the Cylap® vaccine are running low and that the manufacturer is expediting shipment to replenish current stock levels. Unfortunately, the timing of the arrival of stock is unknown.
In the meantime, if you run out of the vaccine, please advise clients to take the following precautions:
- If possible, keep rabbits inside for the next few weeks or until they can be vaccinated and your vet advises it is now safe for them to be outside.
- Prevent direct and indirect contact between domestic and wild rabbits.
- Avoid cutting grass and feeding it to rabbits if there is the risk of contamination from wild rabbits.
- Wash hands, with warm soapy water in between handling rabbits that are not normally in contact with each other.
- Good insect control is vitally important and will help reduce the risks of introduction of both RHDV and myxomatosis. Insect control should include insect proofing the hutch or keeping the rabbits indoors.
- Infected rabbits should be isolated and any dead rabbits should be disposed of in a manner that will minimise environmental contamination. Contact your local vet for more information.
All cages and equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Disinfectants that can be used to decontaminate equipment include 10 % bleach, 10 % sodium hydroxide, or parvocide disinfectants. Autoclaving will also kill the virus.