Rabbit Vaccination Update: Protection Against VHD-2 and New Strain

Following recent press about a new, highly virulent strain of VHD-2 (Viral Haemorrhagic Disease) circulating in Europe, we want to ensure our rabbit family stay up to date!

Currently, there have been no reports of this new virulent strain in the UK.  It is important to be aware, however, that a definitive diagnosis would require a post mortem so there is a chance any cases may have been missed – rabbits suffering with the disease will often be found after passing away, before they could be brought to a vet.

Our existing vaccination, Nobivac Myxo-VHD, is licensed against Myxomatosis, VHD-1 and VHD-2.  The vaccine does not have a license specifically for this new virulent strain.  We have discussed with the manufacturer, who believe that the existing vaccination will be effective against the new strain (as the vaccine works against the protein capsule of the virus, which is the same in both VHD-2 and the new virulent strain), but there is currently no data to prove this.

 There is a new vaccination available which is licensed to treat VHD-1 and VHD-2, including the new strain.  The new vaccination, Yurvac, is now available at Milton Keynes Veterinary Group!

It is important to be aware that the Yurvac vaccination does not provide protection against Myxomatosis, which is still the most common fatal infection we see in rabbits at the practice.  We recommend continuing with Nobivac Myxo-VHD vaccinations, and then providing the Yurvac as a second injection at least two to four weeks later.  Both vaccinations provide twelve months of immunity, and there is no need to give them more frequently.  The Nobivac Myxo-VHD vaccine can be administered to rabbits from five weeks of age, and the Yurvac from thirty days of age.

Did you know?

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