In Australia, pet rabbits must be vaccinated against Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) (Calicivirus), especially the RHDV2 strain, using vets-only vaccines like Filavac, starting around 10-12 weeks old with boosters annually, as no vaccine protects against Myxomatosis, which is controlled by insect screens. The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) recommends yearly boosters to maintain immunity against this highly fatal disease, which is spread by insects and has no cure.
Protect your rabbit with vaccination
There are two viruses that are released to control wild rabbits, Calicivirus (also known as Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus or RHDV) and Myxomytosis. Pet rabbits can be vaccinated for some strains of calicivirus.
Do Rabbits need vaccinations? While it's not the law to vaccinate pet rabbits, we strongly advise vaccinating your rabbit to protect them against sometimes fatal diseases. Keeping your annual vaccination appointment every year is really important for both you and your rabbit.
Yes, even house rabbits should be vaccinated to protect them from serious diseases like Rabbit Viral Hemorrhagic Disease (RVHD) and Myxomatosis. Although they live indoors, they can still be exposed to these diseases through insects, other animals, or contaminated objects.
The 3-3-3 rule for rabbits (and other pets) is a guideline for adjusting to a new home: 3 Days for the rabbit to feel overwhelmed and hide, 3 Weeks to start settling in and showing personality, and 3 Months to feel truly at home and build a strong bond. It helps adopters manage expectations, understand that fear and skittishness are normal, and encourages patience as the bunny decompresses in its new environment, emphasizing providing a safe space and routine.
Myth: Rabbits don't need vaccinating
It's really important to get your rabbits vaccinated! The main diseases rabbits are commonly vaccinated against (myxomatosis, RHD-1 and RHD-2) can be fatal to our bunnies if they aren't vaccinated.
Most rabbits are spayed between four and six months of age; however, many veterinarians prefer to spay between six and twelve months of age. Female rabbits reach sexual maturity between four and six months of age.
If you have a healthy adult bunny, you should try to bring them to the vet once a year for a routine checkup. If your bunny is under a year old, in their senior years (5 years or older), or has a persisting health condition, your vet may recommend bringing them in for an appointment twice a year or more.
Rabbits can be vaccinated from five weeks old. You'll also need a single, separate vaccine to protect against R(V)HD2 at 10 weeks old. An annual vaccine that protects against all three diseases in one dose can be given from five weeks old.
Zoonotic diseases associated with rabbits include pasteurellosis, ringworm, mycobacteriosis, cryptosporidiosis and external parasites. Rabbits can transmit bacteria through bites and scratches.
Most rabbits will now be given a 3-in-1 vaccination to protect against myxomatosis, VHD1 and VHD2. There are two types of vaccination protocols at the moment: The Combi- vaccine (Myxo- VHD1) with separate VHD2 vaccination given 2 weeks later.
People who are bitten by hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, squirrels, chipmunks, rats, mice, other small rodents, rabbits, or hares almost never require rabies vaccination.
Unlike cats and dogs, rabbits generally don't require regular worming treatments as an infestation of worms is less common. That's not to say they're immune to catching a dose of worms though. Alun has some advice for rabbit owners on what to look out for.
If this is the first time your rabbit is being vaccinated, one initial injection followed by a booster in 21 days is required. After that, one injection will be needed annually.
Desexing your pet rabbit
Not only will desexing prevent unwanted litters, but it can also be beneficial in preventing sex-specific health issues and reducing undesirable behavioural issues. As male rabbits reach sexual maturity, they often exhibit urine spraying, mounting and aggression.
As a rule, a rabbit should be able to take at least three hops in a row from one end to the other. It can be difficult to buy purpose-built accommodation measuring these dimensions but there's no reason why you can't build your own! Rabbits are a prey species and need to be able to hide from things that scare them.
Perhaps you've heard a few of the myths about rabbits: they're good starter pets, they're great for children, or they are low-maintenance pets. Caring for bunnies in the house involves a significant amount of time and thoughtful attention, as well as a heap of knowledge and patience.
Rabbits need unlimited access to grass and hay, so they shouldn't ever be left without food. However, if it's an emergency and there's no other choice, then they can go up to 12 hours without eating.
The 3-3-3 rule for rabbits (and other pets) is a guideline for adjusting to a new home: 3 Days for the rabbit to feel overwhelmed and hide, 3 Weeks to start settling in and showing personality, and 3 Months to feel truly at home and build a strong bond. It helps adopters manage expectations, understand that fear and skittishness are normal, and encourages patience as the bunny decompresses in its new environment, emphasizing providing a safe space and routine.
Is neutering painful for rabbits? Since general anaesthesia is used during the neutering treatment, your rabbit won't experience any pain.
Unneutered males will mark female rabbits and their territory by spraying them with urine. Unspayed females can also indulge in this behavior. It's another good reason to spay or neuter your rabbits.
Hay keeps the gut moving
from fur or things they've eaten - rabbits seem to have little concept of what they can and cannot digest!) Blockages can often be fatal. If a rabbit doesn't eat enough hay then this can slow down the rabbit's intestinal functions and cause serious problems eg. GI Stasis (see below).
Common rabbit diseases
Uncastrated male rabbits often spray urine like tom cats over their territory, their possessions (including their rabbit companions) and very often over you, too. Neutering usually makes litter training much easier. Some unneutered males are aggressive.