IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR PET RABBIT OWNERS FROM THE NZ VETERINARY ASSOCIATION

Julia from Wainuiomata

Do you have a pet rabbit?

Do you know about RHDV1-K5?

Pet rabbits in New Zealand have been living with the risk of disease since the rabbit calicivirus was illegally released in 1997. The new strain set to be released in Autumn 2018 is just as deadly to pet rabbits as the existing strain. However, there may be an increase in cases among the wild rabbit population therefore increasing the possibility of exposure of the virus to pet rabbits.

Pet owners should ensure that they continue to take all available measures to protect their pet rabbits, particularly in areas that are close to populations of wild rabbits.

What can be done to protect pet rabbits against RHDV1-K5?

Rabbits should be vaccinated from 10 to 12 weeks of age, and boosters given according to your veterinarian's recommendation to ensure ongoing protection.

We also recommend the following biosecurity measures for pet rabbit owners:

* Control insects (especially flies and fleas) as much as possible both indoors and outdoors. Flies are the main vector through which the virus is spread.

* Remove uneaten food on a daily basis.

* Keep your pet rabbit indoors where possible.

* Rabbit-proof your backyard to prevent access by wild rabbits

* Regularly decontaminate equipment and materials (e.g. cages, hutches, bowls) with either 10% bleach or 10% sodium hydroxide. 10 minutes' contact time is required, then rinse off.

* Limit contact with and handling of unfamiliar pet rabbits.

* Use good biosecurity measures (e.g. wash hands, shoes, clothing) after handling other people’s rabbits.

* Avoid cutting grass and feeding it to your rabbits if there is the risk of contamination from wild rabbits.

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QUESTION:
Wainuiomata, being fairly rural (ie: Moores Valley, Coast Road) and having a large scenic reserve in Homedale, would have a fairly substantial wild rabbit population. It also has a fairly substantial domestic pet rabbit population. I would like to know if this virus is going to be released in Wainuiomata and, if it is, where specifically?