We have a tiny rabbit staying with us this week, his name is Rupert and he is a mini Lionhead. He has been quite shy but does venture out in the run from time to time. On arrival his owner was not aware that you do need to vaccinate your rabbit every year for myxomatosis. Rupert had been done at a very young age and since then, he has not been vaccinated and he is now 4 years old. All breeds of rabbits can be affected, including house rabbits and now vets are recommending that you should vaccinate your rabbit every six months. We took Rupert along to our own vet to have his injection and he has had no ill affects from it and will now be protected from myxomatosis although mmunity will take some 14 days to become established. The disease is spread by blood-sucking insects, such as the rabbit flea and mosquitoes. The virus can remain alive in the blood of hibernating fleas over the winter. Although no vaccine can ever guarantee 100% protection, it offers the best possible chance of immunity against myxomatosis.
All rabbits who board with us have to be vaccinated and this is why we took Rupert along for his owner on this occasion.
No comments:
Post a Comment