RHDV Vaccination: Protecting Your Rabbit from a Deadly Virus
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus kills quickly and often without warning, even in indoor rabbits. Vaccination is the single best defence. This guide explains what RHDV is, how the vaccine works, when to start, and how to prepare for the vet visit.
Quick answer
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) is a highly contagious, often fatal virus with no cure. Vaccination is the most effective protection, and it is recommended even for indoor rabbits because the virus travels on shoes, clothing, hay and insects. Talk to a rabbit-savvy vet about starting a vaccination schedule and keeping it up to date.
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus kills quickly and often without warning, even in indoor rabbits.
What RHDV is
RHDV causes internal bleeding and rapid liver failure. There are two main strains, the classic RHDV1 and the newer RHDV2, which can affect younger rabbits and sometimes causes a slower, less obvious illness. Both are extremely tough viruses that survive in the environment for a long time and spread easily.
The hardest part for owners is that many rabbits die suddenly with few or no warning signs. When symptoms do appear, they can include collapse, difficulty breathing, bleeding from the nose, fever, or a rabbit found dead with no prior illness.
Why even indoor rabbits need it
Owners often assume a house rabbit that never goes outside is safe. Unfortunately RHDV does not need the rabbit to go anywhere — it comes to the rabbit. Biting insects such as flies and mosquitoes can carry it, and you can bring it home on your shoes, on fresh greens, or on hay harvested where wild rabbits have been. In dense cities like Hong Kong and apartment living in Taiwan, shared corridors, lifts and delivery packaging all add small routes of exposure.
Even indoor rabbits benefit from hand-washing and clean hay — RHDV travels on shoes, clothes and forage.
How the vaccine works and when to start
The vaccine trains the immune system to fight RHDV before a real infection strikes. Depending on the product available in your region, one vaccine may cover RHDV1 and RHDV2, or separate or combination vaccines may be used, sometimes together with myxomatosis cover. Availability differs between Hong Kong, Taiwan and other markets, so your vet will advise which product and schedule apply locally.
Most rabbits can start vaccination from a young age, with a booster typically needed every year to maintain protection. Your vet will confirm the exact timing for your rabbit.
RHDV vaccines are given as a quick injection under the skin by your vet.
Preparing for the vet visit
Bring your rabbit in a secure, well-ventilated carrier lined with familiar-smelling bedding. Bring any previous vaccination records. Keep the journey calm and cool, especially in hot, humid weather, since heat stress is dangerous for rabbits. A healthy rabbit that is eating normally is the right candidate for vaccination; if your rabbit seems off-colour, tell the clinic when booking so they can advise.
After the vaccine
Mild tiredness or a small lump at the injection site can occur and usually settles within a few days. Offer plenty of fresh hay and water and keep your rabbit calm. Contact your vet if your rabbit stops eating, becomes very lethargic, or the injection site swells significantly or looks sore.
Quick FAQs
Is RHDV curable if my rabbit catches it? No specific cure exists; treatment is only supportive and many rabbits do not survive. Prevention through vaccination is far more effective.
Can the vaccine give my rabbit the disease? No. Modern RHDV vaccines cannot cause the disease; at most your rabbit may feel a little tired for a day or two.
How often does my rabbit need boosting? Most rabbits need a booster about once a year, but follow the schedule your vet sets for the specific product used.
Can I vaccinate a pregnant or very young rabbit? Timing for pregnant or very young rabbits needs veterinary judgement — always confirm with your vet rather than assuming.