Outbreak of deadly rabbit disease in Jersey

Rabbit Viral Hemorrhagic Disease, also known as VHD is highly contagious for both domestic and wild rabbits and hares. Credit: PA Images

A new strain of a disease that is frequently fatal to rabbits has been confirmed for the first time in Jersey by New Era Vets.

Rabbit Viral Hemorrhagic Disease, also known as VHD is highly contagious for both domestic and wild rabbits and hares. The second strain VHD2, is the one that has been found locally.

The virus can be spread through flies, insects or birds which act as indirect hosts. Humans can also pass it on if they can come into contact with an infected rabbit or contaminated objects.

Symptoms include lethargy, high temperature, loss of appetite and spasms. There may also be bleeding from the mouth, nose and rectum.

The annual vaccination against myxomatosis and VHD does not protect your rabbit against VHD2. Rabbits need another inoculation for this, at least two weeks apart from the other.