2023-11-09 05:12:00
By Manuela Bauer | November 9, 2023, 6:12 a.m
Of the infectious diseases that can affect rabbits, Chinese disease is one of the deadliest. If the long-eared ear is unvaccinated, it rarely survives the disease. PETBOOK explains how you can recognize the disease and what measures you absolutely have to take.
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is widespread worldwide and affects both wild and domestic rabbits. It was first described in China in 1984, but the virus had reached Europe before then, probably through the export of rabbit meat. However, the origin of the epidemic was Australia, where the virus was used experimentally to decimate wild rabbit populations on an offshore island when the introduced rabbits might no longer be controlled. Since 2010, in addition to the classic RDH virus, another variant has been known in France, which also came to Germany in 2014: RHDV2. It is more aggressive and also affects brown hares. Between 80 and 100 percent of unvaccinated rabbits fall victim to it – but vaccinated rabbits can also die from it.
How do I know if my rabbit has Chinese disease?
The tricky thing regarding this virus is that there are usually no symptoms until shortly before death. The previously fit and lively rabbit can suddenly be dead in the hutch, and within a few days there can be a massive loss in the entire group of rabbits.
As described, there are two variants of the virus: RHD1 and RHD2. Shortly before death, an infestation with RHD1 can cause the following symptoms:
Bleeding from the body openings Fever or low temperature Refusal to eat Apathy Diarrhea Discolored mucous membranes Neurological failures (staggering, trembling)
The affected animal usually dies within 36 hours following the onset of a high fever. In general, RHD2 is less sudden. It can happen that an animal is found dead even without any previous signs. Most of the time, the head is stretched back because the patient has struggled for air in vain.
Around 80 to 100 percent do not survive either variant. However, RDH1 sometimes has weaker forms in which the animal only becomes ill two weeks following infection, then eats less and appears apathetic, but survives.
Also interesting: 8 common diseases in rabbits
What measures should be taken for rabbits that are still alive?
As soon as you find an animal dead and the cause has not yet been proven, you should immediately protect the remaining population. The virus infects other species. Humans and other mammals, however, are immune but can transmit it. It is therefore important to disinfect your hands and objects before and following contact with animals.
Normal disinfectants are not sufficient; they must have a virucidal effect. You can find a detailed description of suitable disinfectants on the page “Disinfection in veterinary medicine“.
Further measures include:
Clean wooden objects or the shelter with peracetic acid. Wash textiles, such as clothing or carpets, with a virucidal detergent or, best of all, dispose of them completely. Repeatedly pour boiling water over pavement slabs in the enclosure. Remove up to 30 cm of soil. Water the meadow heavily and mow it more often and do not use it for regarding 3 months Move live rabbits to another location immediately, e.g. in indoor cages. Under no circumstances should you bury dead animals in the garden
Can you vaccinate rabbits once morest Chinese disease?
Yes, it is recommended to vaccinate once or twice a year, especially in spring. Baby rabbits in epidemic areas should be given basic immunization, i.e. two vaccinations four weeks apart.
Older rabbits should best be vaccinated twice once morest both virus variants if they are completely healthy and do not suffer from an acute parasitic infestation. Unfortunately, a vaccine does not always work 100%. Animals with weakened immune systems in particular are often unable to develop sufficient vaccination protection. Nevertheless, deaths in vaccinated rabbits are absolutely isolated cases.
What else can be used to prevent the Chinese epidemic?
The virus is transmitted not only through direct contact with sick animals, but also through mosquitoes (rarely through other insects). But people or other mammals can theoretically also pass on the pathogens.
The following protective measures are therefore recommended:
Attach fly screens to the enclosure, do not eat green food that you have picked yourself from epidemic areas, it is better to feed them tree leaves and twigs that grow higher, it is better to leave shoes outside the living area, if the animals live in the house, if a rabbit is new to the group, it should be vaccinated. Stables and objects regularly Clean with effective disinfectants
Conclusion: In general, the virus occurs more frequently in autumn and winter. If your rabbits have not yet been vaccinated, you should do so now.
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