Rabbit disease: RHD and its effects

introduction

RHD Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, commonly known as rabbit disease or rabbit plague, is a serious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild rabbits. It is of great importance to be well informed about this disease in order to prevent its outbreak and minimize its effects.

What is the difference between RHD and myxomatosis?

Let me show you the differences between RHD (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease) and myxomatosis:

RHD (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease) – also called rabbit disease:

1. Pathogen: The RHD virus, a calicivirus.
2. Symptoms: Sudden death can often be the first and only sign. In other cases, difficulty breathing, fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, or bleeding may occur.
3. Transmission: The virus is transmitted directly from rabbit to rabbit or indirectly through contaminated objects, feed, insects or even through humans (e.g. via shoes or clothing).
4. Prevention: The most important preventative measure is vaccination. There are vaccines that protect against RHD1 and RHD2.

Myxomatosis:

1. Pathogen: The myxoma virus.
2. Symptoms: Swelling and lumps in the facial area, especially around the eyes, nose and ears. As the disease progresses, these swellings can become so severe that the rabbit has difficulty seeing, breathing, and eating. Fever may also occur.
3. Transmission: Mostly through biting insects such as mosquitoes, fleas or ticks. But also from rabbit to rabbit through direct contact.
4. Prevention: Also through vaccination. Regular checks for parasites and appropriate parasite control measures can also help reduce the risk of myxomatosis infection.

In summary , we can say that both diseases are very serious and pose a significant threat to the rabbits. It is of the utmost importance to have your rabbits regularly vaccinated and to always pay attention to their health and well-being.🐰❤️🌿

Can both be considered rabbit diseases?

That's a legitimate question. The term "rabbit disease" is generally used for RHD (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease). But I understand why there can be confusion, as both diseases - RHD and myxomatosis - are serious and fatal diseases for rabbits.

In everyday usage, someone might use "rabbit disease" when talking about a serious illness in rabbits, without referring to a specific disease. However, it is scientifically and medically more correct to use the term "rabbit disease" exclusively for RHD and to treat myxomatosis separately.

In summary: While both diseases can be considered epidemics of rabbits, the term "rabbit disease" is usually used specifically for RHD. It is important to clearly distinguish between the two because their symptoms, routes of transmission and prevention measures are different. 🐇💡

Spread and origin of myxomatosis

Myxomatosis is caused by a specific DNA virus, the myxoma virus. It belongs to the poxvirus genus Leporipoxvirus. This virus is brick-shaped and has a genome size of 160 kbp.

In 1952, myxomatosis was first recorded in Europe after infected rabbits were released in France. This outbreak had a devastating impact on the rabbit population, similar to that in Australia. The disease has spread rapidly across Europe, with outbreaks in countries including England, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Russia, Greece, Portugal and Spain.

Spread and origin of rabbit disease (RHD)

Let's dive into the history and spread of rabbit disease, also known as RHD (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease)!

Origin and History of RHD: Rabbit disease was first discovered in China in the 1980s. From there, the virus spread rapidly and resulted in large rabbit deaths. The virus is believed to have originated in Europe and entered China through the importation of infected rabbit fur.

Within a very short time, the virus reached many countries, including some in Europe. It is estimated that the disease caused the deaths of millions of rabbits worldwide in its early years.

Spread: Since its first appearance, the RHD virus has spread to many countries around the world, including European countries such as Germany, Spain and Italy. Countries where rabbits are kept both as pets and for meat production were particularly affected.

The RHD virus spreads easily and quickly. It can be transmitted through direct contact between rabbits, through contaminated food, water or equipment, or through blood-sucking insects. Even people can transmit the virus indirectly when they touch contaminated materials or surfaces.

The disease has also spread into wild rabbit populations, causing significant impacts on wildlife and the predators that depend on them.

Conclusion: Rabbit disease, although originally discovered in China, may have its roots in Europe. The rapid spread and high mortality rate of the disease has caused great concern worldwide. It is essential to take preventive measures to protect our beloved rabbits from this disease. 🐰❤️

What are the host animals of myxomatosis?

The host animals for the myxomatosis virus are primarily the European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and its breeding form, the domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus forma domestica). It is fascinating to know that the wild rabbits of South America, particularly the species Sylvilagus brasiliensis, have a significantly higher resistance to the myxomatosis virus. This means that when infected, they are more likely to show mild or even symptom-free disease courses compared to their European relatives.

Another interesting detail is that brown hares are largely insensitive to myxomatosis. Even in environments with high infection pressure, a maximum of only 1% of the brown hare population becomes ill. Other animals, and of course people, are not at risk for the myxomatosis virus, which gives a reassuring feeling. It is impressive how nature has developed so that different animal species have different sensitivities to certain pathogens.

Which are the host animals for RHD?

Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD), also known as rabbit disease, is a viral disease that primarily affects domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). This domestic rabbit is therefore the main host animal for the RHD virus. There are also reports of wild rabbits being affected by this virus, meaning they can also be considered host animals.

It is important to note that other small animals, such as guinea pigs or hamsters, are generally not susceptible to RHD. Although rabbits often come into contact with other animals, RHD is specific to rabbits and does not affect other pets.

In short, domestic and wild rabbits are the primary host animals for the RHD virus. So if you have rabbits, you should always be up to date on RHD and take the recommended preventive measures. 🐇💕

(C) https://hunting.gg/wildlife/diseases-parasites/viruses/rabbit-haemorrhagic-disease/

How does rabbit disease manifest itself? Symptoms?

Rabbit disease, also known as RHD (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease) or VHD (Viral Hemorrhagic Disease), is a particularly feared disease among rabbit owners. Why? Well, let's look at how she expresses herself:

Symptoms of rabbit disease:

1. Sudden Death : One of the scariest things about RHD is that some rabbits can die suddenly without any prior signs.
2. General Weakness : Rabbits suffering from RHD may appear weak and listless.
3. Fever : An unexpectedly high fever may occur, which is often an indication of an infection.
4. Breathing problems : Some rabbits have difficulty breathing, which is noticeable by rapid and shallow breathing.
5. Bleeding : This is where the term “hemorrhagic” comes into play. Some rabbits may experience bleeding from the nose, mouth, or other body openings.
6. Nervous symptoms : Tremors, uncoordinated movements, or even convulsions may occur.
7. Loss of appetite and digestive problems : As with many illnesses, the rabbit may become less interested in eating or have digestive problems.

Of course, this all sounds very worrying and it is important veterinary . But it is also important to know that there are preventive measures, especially vaccinations, that offer the best protection against this disease. So, dear rabbit friends, take good care of your fluffy companions! 🐰❤️🌼

What is the route of infection of rabbit disease?

Imagine watching a few rabbits hopping through the field on a sunny day. It all looks so peaceful, but in this world of little furballs an invisible enemy can lurk: the myxomatosis virus. But how exactly does this virus spread among rabbits?

The main route of infection of the myxomatosis virus is blood-sucking insects, especially the rabbit flea, but various species of mosquitoes and biting flies can also be carriers. Imagine a mosquito sucking on an infected rabbit and then flying to a healthy animal. The next time she is bitten, she passes on the virus. A bit like when we humans are bitten by a mosquito that has previously bitten another person.

Sometimes the infection can be passed directly from rabbit to rabbit, especially if they come into close contact with each other. In such direct transmissions, it is usually small wounds or abrasions through which the virus penetrates the new host.

It is also noteworthy that the virus can survive in the environment for a certain period of time. This means that, for example, a healthy rabbit that comes into contact with contaminated food or water can also become infected.

It's always fascinating - and sometimes a little scary - how viruses can spread in nature, isn't it? It reminds us how important it is to always be alert and take care of our furry friends!

The main routes of transmission are:

1. Insects: The virus is mainly transmitted by blood-sucking insects such as mosquitoes and fleas. The rabbit flea is the main vector.
2. Direct contact: Direct transmission from animal to animal through nose-to-nose contact.
3. Indirect contact: Through people, dirty work equipment or stable accessories.

It is important to know that the virus remains active in the insect for up to 3 months and remains virulent in the environment for up to 7 months.

Is rabbit disease (RHD) contagious to other animals and people?

Rabbit disease, also known as "Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease" (RHD) or in some countries as "Viral Hemorrhagic Disease" (VHD), is a serious and often fatal disease for rabbits. But let's answer your question directly:

Rabbit disease is not contagious for humans and most other animals. This means that you and other pets in your household are not at direct risk if a rabbit is infected with RHD/VHD. However, it is important to note that while humans and most other animals are not directly affected by the disease, they can still act as vectors. This means that even though they don't get sick, they can potentially spread the virus through their hands, clothing or shoes.

So if you have an infected rabbit or have come into contact with one, it is important to follow strict hygiene measures to prevent the virus from spreading to other rabbits.

In summary: Rabbit disease is not contagious to humans and most other animals insofar as they could become ill themselves. However, it is important to be careful to avoid possible transmission of the virus to other rabbits. 🐰🌿🌷

How long is the incubation period for rabbit disease?

Ah, the incubation period – a fascinating topic! The incubation period is the period between the moment an organism comes into contact with a pathogen and the appearance of the first symptoms. You could compare it a bit to waiting for a seed to be planted in the ground and only after some time to begin to germinate.

In the case of myxomatosis virus in rabbits, the incubation period varies. It usually takes between 5 and 14 days after the rabbit is infected with the virus for the first signs of the disease to appear. It's a bit like a secret agent sneaking in unnoticed before revealing his true identity!

Incubation period for RHD: The incubation period describes the period between an animal becoming infected with a pathogen and the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease. In the case of rabbit disease, i.e. Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD), this incubation period is usually between 1 and 3 days. This means that if a rabbit is exposed to the RHD virus, the first signs of the disease may appear as early as one day, but in some cases as late as three days.

It's truly amazing how quickly this virus acts. Once infected, the disease can progress rapidly in affected animals, which is why it is so important to pay attention to early signs and seek immediate veterinary attention.

Imagine a rabbit being bitten by an infected mosquito on a sunny afternoon. The virus begins its journey in the rabbit's body, spreading and multiplying without the animal initially noticing it. It is only a few days later, perhaps when the rabbit has almost forgotten that it was stung, that the first symptoms of the disease appear.

Knowledge of this incubation period is particularly important in order to understand and, if necessary, prevent the spread of diseases. It reminds us of the importance of caution and attention when dealing with animals and their health. A small prick and a few days of patience can lead to big changes in the animal world!

Diagnosis of rabbit disease (RHD)

Oh, the rabbit plague! It is known as RHD (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease) or also as Rabbit Viral Hemorrhagic Disease (VHD). This disease is caused by a virus that specifically affects domestic and wild rabbits.

Now we delve into the exciting world of diagnosing rabbit disease:

1. History : Here the veterinarian asks the rabbit's owner about its behavior, whether it has had contact with other rabbits and what the current symptoms are. Sudden death can occur in RHD, but sometimes there are less obvious signs such as apathy or difficulty breathing.
2. Physical examination : A direct look at the rabbit can help the veterinarian assess the extent of the disease. Bleeding from the nose or mouth could indicate RHD.
3. Necropsy : If a rabbit dies suddenly, a necropsy (an autopsy for animals) can provide important clues. In rabbits that die from RHD, the liver and spleen are often enlarged and bleeding is visible in various organs.
4. Laboratory tests : Now things get really exciting! The RHD virus can be detected directly from the blood, liver or spleen tissue. A common test for this is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This method can be used to amplify and detect the genetic material of the virus. There are also serological tests that look for antibodies to the virus in the rabbit's blood.
5. Differential diagnosis : As with any good criminal case, there are other "suspects". Other diseases such as myxomatosis or various bacterial infections can cause similar symptoms, so it is important to rule these out.

Diagnosing rabbit disease RHD is particularly important because this disease is very contagious and can endanger other rabbits in the area. If the vet confirms RHD, measures are often recommended to prevent the spread and protect other rabbits.

It is also important to know that there are vaccines against rabbit disease RHD. Regular vaccination can protect rabbits from this dangerous disease.

All in all, if a rabbit experiences suspicious symptoms or sudden death, one should not hesitate and seek veterinary care immediately. Solving the mystery of the disease is the first step to recovery and prevention!

How does the vet treat rabbit disease and how can you support your rabbit?

Rabbit disease, officially known as RHD or VHK, is truly an insidious disease for our furry friends. But don't worry, together we'll take a look at how veterinarians are facing this challenge and how you can also support your little hopper.

Therapy by the veterinarian:

1. Symptomatic treatment : Unfortunately, it is not possible to cure RHD directly, but the veterinarian can take supportive measures to relieve symptoms and promote the rabbit's well-being. These include infusions to stabilize circulation, painkillers and medications to support the liver.
2. Antibiotics : These are not used directly against the RHD virus, but can help prevent secondary bacterial infections that may occur due to the rabbit's weakened defenses.
3. Monitoring : Your veterinarian will likely recommend close monitoring of your rabbit's condition to respond quickly to any changes.

How you can support your rabbit:

1. Calmness : Your rabbit will definitely not feel so hoppy. So make sure it has a quiet and comfortable place to rest. No noise, no hustle and bustle, just peace and quiet.
2. Diet : A sick rabbit may not have the same appetite as usual. Try to provide him with tasty and easily digestible food. Fresh water should always be available.
3. Hygiene : Keep your rabbit's cage or habitat clean to avoid infections. Washing your hands frequently is also important for you to minimize the spread.
4. Heat : A sick rabbit may have difficulty regulating its body temperature. A warm environment can help him feel better.
5. Vaccination : The best support is prevention! There are vaccinations against RHD. If your rabbit has not yet been vaccinated, talk to your vet about prophylaxis.
6. Love and Affection : Nothing heals better than the love of its owner. A few strokes and gentle words can work wonders.

In summary, with a combination of professional veterinary care and your loving care, your rabbit has the best chance of surviving this difficult time. It's the little gestures that count - and especially in difficult times, you can see how strong the bond between you and your fluffy friend really is. Hang in there and don't give up hope! 🐰💕

Preventive measures against rabbit disease including vaccinations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Oh, the little hopping animals! Not only are they incredibly cute, but they also require our attention to keep them healthy and happy. Rabbit disease can pose a real threat to our furry friends, but luckily there are ways to protect them. Let's take a look together at how you can protect your little friend from this disease in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Preventive measures:

1. Hygiene : Keep your rabbit's living area clean and change the litter regularly. Disinfect the cage or hutch, especially when introducing a new rabbit.
2. Contact restriction : Try to avoid your rabbit's contact with wild animals. A protective fence can help.
3. Food : Be careful where you get your fresh food from. Wild rabbits may have touched it beforehand.
4. Quarantine : For new arrivals, you should maintain a quarantine period of at least 2 weeks to ensure that the new rabbit is healthy.

Vaccinations:

The good news is that there are vaccinations against rabbit disease. They offer strong protection against the disease.

• Germany : In Germany, vaccination against RHD (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease) and myxomatosis is recommended. Depending on the vaccine, this must be repeated annually or even every six months.
• Austria : Vaccinations against RHD and myxomatosis are also available in the Alpine republic and are recommended by veterinarians. Intervals may vary depending on the vaccine used.
• Switzerland : Similar vaccinations to those in Germany and Austria are available in Switzerland. Here it is particularly important to follow the veterinarian's recommendations regarding the frequency of vaccinations.

Finally, I would like to say that prevention is really the key. With these measures and regular vaccinations you can protect your rabbit from the insidious rabbit disease. And that's a nice feeling, isn't it? It means you have many more happy years of hopping, playing and cuddling with your furry friend ahead of you! 🐰❤️🌼

Can vaccinated rabbits get RHD?

Vaccinations are a fantastic tool in our medical treasure chest. They prepare the immune system to defend itself against certain diseases. When it comes to rabbit disease, or RHD, many rabbit owners ask themselves the question: “Can my vaccinated rabbit still get sick?”

Short answer : Yes, it's possible, but much less likely!

Longer explanation:

1. Effectiveness of vaccination : No vaccination is 100% effective. But RHD vaccinations offer very good protection against the virus. This means that vaccinated rabbits have a much lower risk of developing RHD than unvaccinated rabbits.
2. Different virus strains : There are different variants of the RHD virus, such as RHDV1 and RHDV2. In many cases vaccination protects against both, but there are cases where a rabbit has been vaccinated against one strain and is then exposed to the other.
3. Vaccine protection may decrease : As with all vaccinations, effectiveness may decrease over time. Therefore, it is important to have regular booster vaccinations to maintain protection.
4. Individual Rabbit Factors : Sometimes individual rabbits do not respond well to vaccination for a variety of reasons. This may be due to their general health, age or other individual factors.

But here's the silver lining: When a vaccinated rabbit gets RHD, the disease is often milder than in unvaccinated animals. This means that the chances of survival and recovery are better.

The best way to be sure? Talk to your veterinarian about the best vaccination strategies and schedules for your furry family member. And remember, vaccinations are a strong, loving shield for your rabbit against dangerous diseases. 🐇❤️🛡️🌿

Summary Rabbit Disease (RHD)

Of course, let's delve into the world of fluffy bunnies and lovingly summarize everything worth knowing about the rabbit disease. 🐰❤️

The Rabbit Disease : An invisible enemy that threatens our sweet rabbits. This disease, scientifically known as RHD (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease), primarily affects our little furry friends and, if not taken care of, can have tragic consequences.

Host animals : The disease mainly affects wild and domestic rabbits. They are the main carriers and can both spread the disease and be affected by it.

Route of infection : Our little hoppers can become infected in different ways:

• Direct contact with infected rabbits.
• Through contaminated food, water or objects.
• Parasites such as ticks or fleas can also be carriers.

Incubation period : This is the time between infection and the first symptoms. It can be very short, often only 1-3 days. This is what makes the disease so insidious as it progresses quickly.

Diagnosis : A veterinarian will make an initial guess based on clinical signs, such as fever, apathy, and breathing problems. Tissue samples and blood tests may be performed for accurate confirmation.

Therapy : Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for rabbit disease. This means that the vet will primarily provide supportive measures such as hydration and pain relief. At home, you can provide your rabbit with plenty of rest, a warm environment, and lots of love to support the healing process.

Prevention : Here lies the key! You can protect your rabbit through hygiene, contact restrictions, careful food choices and quarantining new arrivals. And most important: vaccinations! In countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland, vaccinations against RHD and often myxomatosis are available and strongly recommended.

Overall, our goal is to keep our beloved rabbits healthy and happy. With the necessary knowledge, preventive measures and regular vet visits, we can ensure that our little friends enjoy a long and fulfilling life. May your days with your rabbit be full of joy, cuddles and fun hopping! 🌸🥕🐾

Current literature on the topic of rabbit disease (RHD)

Here are some scientific articles on rabbit disease (RHD) from the last 5 years:

• "A review of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV)" , published in "Veterinary Microbiology" in 2022. This article provides an overview of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of the RHDV virus.
• "A study of the efficacy of a new vaccine against rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2" , published in "Veterinary Microbiology" in 2021. This study examines the effectiveness of a new vaccine against RHDV-2.
• "The impact of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) on rabbit production in Europe: A systematic review and meta-analysis" , published in "Preventive Veterinary Medicine" in 2020. This study examines the impact of the RHDV virus on rabbit production in Europe.
• "A novel method for the rapid detection of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus" , published in "Veterinary Microbiology" in 2019. This study develops a new method for the rapid and reliable diagnosis of RHDV.
• "The molecular epidemiology of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) in Europe" , published in "Veterinary Microbiology" in 2018. This study investigates the molecular epidemiology of the RHDV virus in Europe.

These articles provide an overview of the latest findings on rabbit disease. They cover topics such as the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and control of the disease.

Here are some more articles you might be interested in:

• "Clinical and virological findings in rabbits with rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) infection" , published in "Veterinary Record" in 2022. This study examines the clinical and virological findings in rabbits with RHDV infection.
• "A study of the efficacy of a combination vaccine against rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 1 and 2" , published in "Veterinary Journal" in 2021. This study examines the effectiveness of a combination vaccine against RHDV-1 and RHDV-2.
• "The use of a novel vaccine to control rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) in a commercial rabbit breeding facility" , published in "Journal of Animal Science" in 2020. This study examines the effectiveness of a new vaccine to control the RHDV virus in a commercial rabbit breeding operation.
• “An outbreak of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) in a commercial rabbit breeding facility ,” published in “Journal of the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science” in 2019. This study describes an outbreak of RHDV in a commercial rabbit breeding facility.