This virus does NOT affect other species of animals or humans. Until recently, there was not a vaccine available in the US to protect our pet rabbits, and the only option to prevent the spread of the virus was strict biosecurity measures. Medgene Labs is the first US-based company to develop a vaccine effective against this virus. Due to the serious nature of this virus and lack of approved vaccines in the US for its prevention, the USDA has given Medgene Labs RHDV-2 vaccine emergency use authorization. The USDA’s emergency use authorization for this vaccine was based on their review of the vaccine’s current safety data and challenge information studies. The vaccine is administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection and requires two injections of the vaccine 21 days apart to be considered effective at preventing RHDV-2.

Currently, our veterinarians are recommending all pet rabbits four weeks of age, and older should be vaccinated for RHDV-2. The safety of this vaccine has not been evaluated in pregnant or lactating does, and we would recommend vaccinating these individuals when they are not pregnant or lactating.

If you’re interested in having your pet rabbit vaccinated for RHDV, please contact our office to get your pet signed up for one of our next RHDV vaccine clinic dates.