A special clinic to vaccinate rabbits against a deadly and highly contagious disease is taking place in Nanaimo on Sunday, after the recent appearance of the virus in San Juan County in Washington state.
“We cannot stress enough the importance of vaccinating your rabbits against rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus,” VI Fluffle, a Nanaimo rabbit advocacy society, said in a statement.
The disease “is fatal and affects both indoor and outdoor rabbits. Unless vaccinated against it there is no cure.”
The disease, which is not known to affect people or other pets, turned up on Vancouver Island in 2018 and 2019, and killed feral rabbits in Courtenay early last year, said the B.C. SPCA.
It appeared in rabbits in nearby San Juan County a few weeks ago, Washington state’s Department of Agriculture announced Oct. 4.
San Juan County is east of the southern tip of Vancouver Island and a popular destination for B.C. residents.
State veterinarian Dr. Amber Itle confirmed cases on Lopez and Orcas islands after testing and recommended that owners vaccinate their rabbits as soon as possible.
“Remember to observe good biosecurity practices in addition to vaccinating your bunnies. Be sure to isolate new additions for three weeks before co-mingling them with your colony and avoid contact of domestic and wild rabbits.”
Due to the contagious nature of the virus, vaccination is critical to protect both domestic and wild rabbits, she said.
The B.C. SPCA announced in February of last year that feral rabbits had died in Courtenay from the disease. It urged rabbit owners to have their animals vaccinated.
In 2018, the disease showed up in feral rabbits found dead in Nanaimo and in the Lower Mainland, prompting the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm to temporarily put their rabbits in seclusion to keep them safe.
In 2019, it surfaced again on the Saanich Peninsula when two feral rabbits — domestic animals living in the wild — were found dead.
After being exposed to the virus, a rabbit usually becomes sick in one to five days. Death is common after a short illness but can also happen suddenly, with no warning, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said.
The disease can spread between rabbits through contact with saliva, nasal secretions, urine, manure, blood and fur or carcasses of dead rabbits.
Contaminated food, bedding, water and cages can also contribute to its spread. People can transfer the virus through hands and clothing if they have been in contact with a sick rabbit, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said.
The virus can even travel via car tires that have been in areas with infected rabbits, it said.
Common signs of the disease include fever, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, groaning, blood spots in eyes, frothy and bloody discharge from the nose, and neurological problems, such as trouble walking, seizures and paralysis.
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is a notifiable disease under federal Health of Animals regulations. Laboratories must contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency if they find possible or confirmed cases.
Prevention measures include vaccination and good animal husbandry.
The Nanaimo vaccination clinic hours are 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Sunday at 4200 Island Highway North.
To reserve a spot, send an email to [email protected]. The cost is $35 for the first rabbit and $25 for additional bunnies.
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