Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease: Vaccination and Prevention
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease is one of the most feared viral infections in Egyptian rabbitries because it can kill an adult rabbit within 12 to 36 hours with few warning signs. Owners often blame heat or spoiled feed while the virus has already spread through the shed. RHDV survives well in the environment and moves on hands, clothing, tools and insects, so vaccination combined with strict biosecurity is the only reliable protection.
What is RHDV and how does it spread?
RHDV is a calicivirus that attacks the liver and lymphoid tissue and triggers widespread internal clotting. The classic RHDV1 strain often causes nervous and respiratory signs before death, while RHDV2 spreads among young rabbits and partly vaccinated stock, making it harder to detect. The virus is present in body fluids, urine and faeces and can stay infectious on surfaces for weeks.
It spreads directly between rabbits and indirectly through feed, water, cages and the hands of workers. Insects, birds, rodents, car tyres and boots all act as mechanical carriers. In Egyptian markets and auctions new rabbits mix with old stock, which is the riskiest source of infection, so every incoming rabbit needs at least two weeks of quarantine.
Clinical signs and diagnosis
A rabbit may die with no warning, or show sudden lethargy, feed refusal and fever. Acute cases can have bloody discharge from the nose, mouth or anus, yellow mucous membranes, breathing difficulty and convulsions before death. Young rabbits may suffer jaundice, diarrhoea and wasting for several days.
A definitive diagnosis needs a veterinary post-mortem and laboratory confirmation, because the signs resemble feed poisoning and haemorrhagic bacterial disease. Do not open a dead rabbit inside the shed yourself, since that spreads virus across the floor and equipment. Isolate suspected cases and contact a vet or the local veterinary authority immediately.
A practical vaccination programme
Vaccination is the most effective tool. In affected Egyptian farms the first dose is usually given at 4 to 6 weeks of age, followed by a booster 3 to 4 weeks later. Annual boosters maintain protection and should be timed before breeding seasons and before new stock arrives. The vaccine needs a reliable cold chain, so buy from a trusted supplier and keep it in the fridge, never the freezer.
Never vaccinate a sick, febrile or diarrhoeic rabbit, and avoid vaccinating pregnant does without veterinary advice. Watch rabbits for 24 hours after injection, as a small swelling or temporary lethargy can occur. A vet or trained technician should give the vaccine, because a misplaced injection can cause an abscess. Pair vaccination with clean feeding equipment such as a rabbit feeder.
Prevention and outbreak management
Quarantine new rabbits in separate cages for two weeks with dedicated tools for each shed. Clean floors and cages with a disinfectant effective against viruses and let surfaces dry before restocking. Never share feed, water or equipment between sheds, and keep visitor numbers to a minimum. Read more housing guidance in our rabbits.
In a suspected outbreak, stop all movement of rabbits and people at once, isolate affected cages and dispose of carcasses by burning or deep burial away from water sources. Never sell rabbits from an infected shed at market. Inform the veterinary authority and follow its disinfection instructions, and support immunity with vitamins and mineral salts plus our medical supplies.
- Quarantine every new rabbit for at least two weeks.
- Disinfect cages and floors with a virucidal product and allow full drying.
- Stop visitors and contaminated boots from entering the shed.
- Control insects and rodents around the rabbitry.
- Record animal sources and vaccination dates in a shed logbook.
Conclusion
Regular RHDV vaccination is essential on every rabbit farm because the virus kills quickly and has no specific treatment. Quarantine, hygiene and balanced nutrition greatly reduce the risk. Ask a licensed vet to set the right vaccination date for your shed and review the prevention plan every year.
This article is general guidance and is not a substitute for examining your animal by a licensed veterinarian. In emergencies, contact your vet immediately.
