New Rabbit Vaccine At The Ovens & Kiewa Vet Hospital

We have recently obtained a new vaccine for rabbit calicivirus that requires only 12-monthly boosters compared to the 6-monthly boosters needed with our old vaccine.

Below is some information on the two vaccines now available.

The New Vaccine is called  – FILAVAC VHD K C+V

Strains covered for rabbits

• Rabbit haemorrhagic disease strain LP.SV.2012 (variant strain RHDV2) and rabbit haemorrhagic disease strain IM507.SC.2011 (classical strain RHDV1)

Dosing program

• Primary vaccination: From 10-weeks of age.
• Booster vaccinations: Annually.

Cost of Vaccination

• $140 per vaccination (annually). This includes a full health check.

Side effects

Common side effects

• Increase in body temperature for 24h
• Local reaction (small lump at injection site) that can last for 52 days but heals without treatment

Rare side effects

• Anaphylactic reaction
• Lethargy/inappetence

 

Below is information on our old vaccine – Cylap RCD Rabbit vaccine 

Strains covered

• Rabbit haemorrhagic disease strain IM507.SC.2011 (classical strain RHDV1). Only provides minimal protection against RHDV2

Dosing program

• Primary vaccination: From 10-weeks of age.
• Booster vaccinations: 6-monthly.

Cost of vaccination

• $80 per vaccination (every 6 months). This includes a full health check.

 

Side effects

Common side effects

• Local reaction (small lump at injection site) that can last for 52 days but heals without treatment

Rare side effects

• Anaphylactic reaction
• Lethargy/inappetence

 

If at any stage you wish to change over to the new vaccine and your rabbit has previously had the 6 monthly vaccine there is no waiting period.

Please note: There is currently no vaccine available in Australia for protection against myxomatosis. 

 

The following are some things you can do to minimise the risk of infection with myxomatosis and calicivirus:

• Insect proofing of hutches or keeping rabbits indoors during the warmer months
• Good hygiene practices
  • Regular cleaning of cages and equipment with a disinfectant such as 10% bleach
  • Washing your hands between contact with different rabbits
• Preventing contact with other rabbits

To book your rabbit’s vaccine call us on (03) 5752 1235 ,or fill out our query form here and we will get in contact with you.