Rabbit owners warned about deadly disease

The new disease is hard to spot and can kill rabbits exceptionally quickly

Animal experts in Guernsey are warning rabbit owners about a deadly disease that has been found in the UK and France.

The GSPCA said a new variant of rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease (RHVD2) had been found in the two countries, but no cases of the new strain had been confirmed in Guernsey.

Steve Byrne, manager of GSPCA, said: "RHVD2 is a horrendous disease in rabbits and can kill exceptionally quickly from spotting signs of your rabbit going off their food to their passing."

He said there were two strains of the disease, known as RVHD1 and RVHD2, and both strains were lethal and it was important to get pet rabbits vaccinated.

'Lack of symptoms'

Mr Byrne said “The GSPCA is keen for islanders to be aware of concerns over a possible new strain of a disease killing rabbits in the UK.

“RVHD2 has been in the UK since 2013 and has now overtaken classic RVHD as the primary strain, and in 2017 the GSPCA first identified RHVD2 as being present on the island."

He said often there was a "lack of symptoms making both diseases so difficult to spot which is why vaccination is so important and unwell bunnies see the vet quickly”.

“There are many vectors that can transmit the disease from insects to migrating birds, contaminated hay or by wind, to ourselves moving it on our feet or persons having come into contact with it.

“Prevention is always the best measure from vaccinations, to ensuring you clean and disinfect food bowls, water bowls and limit the factors that could put your rabbits at risk.

“There is a new vaccine due soon but sadly this new strain has been also seen in the Netherlands, France, Hungry and northern Italy and with our location and it on either side it is so important we all do what we can to protect our rabbits.”