OLD LYME VETERINARY HOSPITAL

For Rabbit Owners

We would like Rabbit owners to be made aware of the dangers of rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHDV2), a deadly and contagious disease that has begun spreading throughout the United States.

What is RHDV?

This virus is highly contagious and spreads rapidly among both wild and domestic rabbit populations, and can survive outside a host for several months and be carried on surfaces such as shoes, tires, insects, bedding, food, and more. With an over 90% mortality rate, symptoms can appear very suddenly and there are no medications or treatments to prevent them.

RHDV infects wild and domestic species of rabbits and is highly contagious. It does not infect people or other animals. The virus travels through the blood stream of an infected rabbit and rapidly damages the cells of the liver. The liver makes proteins used in forming blood clots, and the classic form of RHDV causes uncontrollable bleeding in rabbits.

If your pet was vaccinated in 2024 with the initial vaccine and booster, only one vaccine is needed this year. That vaccine can be scheduled on Saturday March 15 or Saturday April 5 between 9am – 3pm. If this is your pet’s fist RHDV-2 vaccine, the initial vaccine needs to be given on Saturday March 15 and the booster administered on Saturday April 5 between 9am – 3:00pm. It is CT State Law that all pet rabbits are microchipped. Microchipping is included for pets that are getting the initial vaccine.

Old Lyme Veterinary Hospital RHDV-2 Vaccine Clinic is a two-part clinic:

CLINIC 1:  Saturday March 15, 2025 beginning 9:00 am: Yearly booster, Initial vaccine, and Microchip

CLINIC 2:   Saturday April 5, 2025 beginning 9:00 am: Yearly Booster, Second Vaccine

Package 1: $100 includes Yearly Booster and Brief Exam, full payment is due at the time of scheduling the appointment

Package 2: $200.00 includes both vaccines and microchipping, a full payment is due at the time of scheduling the appointment

Commonly Asked Questions:

How do I register to the RHDV-2 Vaccine Clinic?

There is limited space for the clinic. To register please email olvhbusinessoffice@gmail.com. Please include your full name, pet’s name, preferred time, and contact number.  You can also register by calling/or texting   860-434-8387 and please ask for Laura.  Your pet will be vaccinated by Dr. Alice and you will receive a time slot.

What side effects should I expect? Rabbits may develop a small swelling at the site of the injection, develop a slight temporary fever, or be lethargic for a day or two.

How long does it take for the vaccine to be effective? The vaccine should be fully protective 14 days after the second vaccine booster, which would be 35 days after the first dose.

How young can I administer the vaccine?  This vaccine has demonstrated safety when given at 7 weeks of age.

Please contact us with any questions!!