Rabbit Vaccine Supply Problems
MSD Animal Health are experiencing a production problem with Nobivac Myxo-RHD vaccine for pet rabbits. Valley Vets only has a very small supply of vaccines remaining in stock.
MSD are working hard to solve this issue. As an interim solution they are looking to provide a European multiple dose presentation of the same product as soon as possible. Whilst we appreciate that this may be less than ideal, it should ensure that with appropriate planning, rabbit vaccines will continue to be available over this difficult period to allow sufficient availability to provide essential cover for vulnerable rabbits.
It is important not to bring your rabbit's vaccinations forward in the short term since adequate product is expected to be available to ensure coverage of the population in the near future.
Our vets may have to prioritise vaccination of young and high risk rabbits in the short term but it is anticipated that there should be sufficient product available to cover demand once the alternative supply of product has been made available.
Since the alternative product has to be used within a few hours of opening, it is our intention to offer RABBIT VACCINATION CLINICS in the near future to ensure that as many rabbits can be vaccinated as possible.
There are many other ways of reducing the risk of infectious disease - stringent bio-security and parasite control to reduce the opportunities of infection are particularly vital at this time.
Take steps to ensure your rabbits are kept well away from potential sources of infection such as wild rabbits, and discuss with your veterinary team how best to manage the risk of fleas and flies during this period.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is Myxomatosis?
A: Myxomatosis is a disease of rabbits caused by infection with myxoma virus. It is typically spread by blood sucking insects – in particular fleas and mosquitoes. The virus can also spread from rabbit to rabbit if the animals are housed together.
Q:What is RHD?
A: Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD), also known as Viral Haemorrhagic Disease, is caused by a calicivirus which is spread by direct contact between rabbits (both wild and domestic) and by indirect contact. Possible indirect contact can be through people, clothing, contaminated hutches and bedding, as well as insect vectors such as fleas or flies.
Q: Why isn’t there a vaccine available?
A: We buy our rabbit vaccine from the only manufacturer that there is, MSD Animal Health. Unfortunately they are temporarily out of stock of their Nobivac Myxo-RHD vaccine. MSD Animal Health is doing everything possible to produce the vaccine as quickly as possible and your rabbit will be re-vaccinated against this disease once vaccine is available again.
Q: What can I do to protect my rabbit from myxomatosis and RHD in the meantime?
A: While vaccination is a very important way of protecting your rabbit(s) there are a number of measures you can take to minimise exposure to the disease, in particular by reducing any risks from contact with wild rabbits and by attending carefully to parasite control.
Q: What signs should I look out for?
A: Given appropriate precautions it is unlikely that your rabbit will succumb to these diseases. Nevertheless it’s wise to be vigilant and contact us should you suspect illness. Signs of myxomatosis to look out for in your rabbit include swollen, almost closed eyes and other localised swellings around the head, face, ears, lips, anus and genitalia, which can appear within a few days of infection. Infected rabbits become very lethargic with a high fever and often develop discharges from eyes and nose with breathing problems Signs of RHD to look out for include lethargy, collapse, difficulty in breathing, convulsions, high body temperature, and bleeding from the nose.
Q: When will the vaccine be back on the market?
A. The manufacturer has, so far, been unable to provide us with a specific date of our re-supply.
Q: Will I have to start a full course of vaccines again once the product becomes available?
A. A single dose is all that is required for both an initial course, or a booster
