By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Rabbit owners in Australia face a situation that owners in most other countries do not. Two deadly viruses, rabbit calicivirus and myxomatosis, are deliberately present in the wild to control feral rabbits, and pet rabbits have no natural resistance to either. Calicivirus can kill a healthy-looking rabbit within a day or two, sometimes with no warning signs at all. Vaccination protects against calicivirus. For myxomatosis there is no vaccine available here, so prevention depends on keeping biting insects away.
Key takeaways
- Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (calicivirus) is caused by RHDV1 and RHDV2. Both are present in Australia, and RHDV2 is now the dominant strain.
- A vaccine that protects against both RHDV1 and RHDV2 is available in Australia. Your vet will set the schedule, often every six to twelve months.
- Myxomatosis vaccines are not permitted in Australia. Mosquito and flea control is the main protection.
- Sudden death, bleeding from the nose, lethargy or refusing food can mean calicivirus. Swollen eyes, ears or genitals can mean myxomatosis. Both need a vet immediately.
- In Queensland, keeping pet rabbits is not permitted.
- Related: caring for lop-eared rabbits, rabbit desexing, plants poisonous to rabbits.
Rabbit calicivirus (RHDV)
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus causes internal bleeding and liver failure. RHDV1 was released in Australia in the 1990s as a biological control. RHDV2, a different strain, arrived in 2015 and spread quickly through wild and pet rabbits. It also affects young rabbits, which were less vulnerable to the older strain.
The virus spreads by direct contact with infected rabbits, but also through flies and mosquitoes, contaminated hay, grass, clothing, shoes and equipment. It survives for months in the environment. That is why indoor rabbits are not risk free.
Signs of calicivirus:
- Sudden death, sometimes with no prior signs
- Lethargy and refusing food
- Fever
- Bleeding from the nose, mouth or bottom
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
The calicivirus vaccine
For many years Australian vets used a vaccine made against RHDV1. When RHDV2 took over, more frequent boosters were recommended to try to improve cross-protection. In 2022 a vaccine covering both RHDV1 and RHDV2 was approved in Australia. RSPCA Australia advises vaccinating rabbits against calicivirus every six to twelve months, with your vet setting the schedule for your rabbit.
Young rabbits can usually start vaccination early in life. Your vet will tell you when, and whether more than one vaccine is needed at the start. Protection takes time to develop after vaccination, so keep new rabbits away from risks during that time. No vaccine is 100 percent effective, so hygiene and insect control still matter.
Myxomatosis
Myxomatosis is a poxvirus spread by fleas, mosquitoes and close contact. It causes swelling and discharge around the eyes, nose, ears and genitals, followed by severe illness. Death rates in pet rabbits are extremely high, and treatment is rarely successful.
Overseas vaccines use a live modified virus. The Australian Government does not allow them here because of the risk that vaccine virus could spread to wild rabbits and make them immune, undoing myxomatosis as a pest control. RSPCA Australia has called for this to be reviewed, but for now there is no myxomatosis vaccine for pet rabbits in Australia.
Protecting your rabbit beyond vaccines
- House rabbits indoors or in a mosquito-proof hutch with fine netting.
- Bring rabbits inside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Control fleas with products your vet recommends for rabbits. Some flea products used in dogs and cats are dangerous to rabbits.
- Keep flies under control around hutches, feed and litter.
- Wash hands and change shoes after contact with other rabbits.
- Avoid feeding grass or plants collected from areas where wild rabbits graze.
- Rabbit-proof your yard so wild rabbits cannot get in.
- Quarantine new rabbits and make sure they are vaccinated before mixing.
When it is an emergency
Take your rabbit to a vet immediately for:
- Sudden lethargy or refusing food
- Bleeding from the nose or bottom
- Breathing difficulty
- Swelling of the eyelids, ears or genitals
- Seizures or collapse
Rabbits hide illness well, and a rabbit that stops eating can deteriorate within hours. If a rabbit dies suddenly, ask your vet about testing. The CSIRO runs a rabbit calicivirus testing program that helps track strains.
FAQ
My rabbit lives indoors. Does it need vaccination?
Yes. Calicivirus spreads on flies, shoes, clothing and hay, so indoor rabbits can still be exposed.
Can I vaccinate against myxomatosis overseas and bring the rabbit back?
Australian import rules are strict. Talk to your vet and the Department of Agriculture before planning travel with a rabbit.
Do guinea pigs need these vaccines?
No. Rabbit calicivirus and myxomatosis do not affect guinea pigs.
Are there side effects?
Most rabbits are fine. Some are a little quiet for a day or have a small lump where the vaccine was given. Call your vet if your rabbit stops eating.
Talk with a vet
If your rabbit is due for vaccination, or you want help setting up a mosquito-proof home, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can talk you through it. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase. What is rabbit calicivirus and how do I protect my rabbit from rabbit haemorrhagic disease?
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase. How do I care for my rabbits?
- Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (calicivirus).
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase. Why can't I vaccinate my rabbit against myxomatosis?
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.