Calicivirus RHDV2 vaccine development

Summary of RHDV2 vaccine development – December 2018 Extract from Centre for Invasive Species Solutions

Along with three strains of RHDV1, an exotic RHD virus called RHDV2 is also circulating in Australian rabbit populations, after being first detected in wild rabbits in May 2015.

We now know this virus has spread throughout most of Australia and is currently the dominant
circulating RHD virus strain at a national scale.

In collaboration with its Members and Partners, the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions has begun
two projects to further assess the biological properties and distribution of RHDV2 in the Australian
landscape and its potential as a future additional registered product.

Along with this work, the Centre has also provided some funding that contributes to the development
of a vaccine specific for RHDV2, being led by NSW DPI.

There has been excellent progress to date, and documentation is being prepared for submission to
APVMA for a pilot "standalone" RHDV2 vaccine.

Once submitted, the proposal will be assessed by the APVMA. Once all regulatory requirements are
met, the commercial vaccine manufacturer will be able to commence production of a pilot batch.
As it is unknown how long these processes will take, it is currently not possible to provide an estimate of when this vaccine will be available to the public.

Research to develop a multi-valent vaccine that would provide protection against both RHDV1 and
RHDV2 strains, is ongoing.

It is still recommended by veterinarians that all pet rabbits are vaccinated with Cylap® to protect
against RHDV.

While this vaccine is not fully effective against RHDV2, it will protect rabbits from any circulating
RHDV1 K5 strain released in the vicinity for rabbit control, as well as any other naturally circulating
RHDV1 strains.

CHILDREN & PET RABBITS

Basket handling is the safe way for children to handle bunnies. The cane basket makes bunnies feel safe therefore they don’t kick and scratch The cane basket gives the child the feeling that they are picking up the rabbit without the risk of hurting the rabbit.

Basket bunnies are FLOWER & BILLY who is still looking for loving home of his own as an indoor House Rabbit. Our rabbits go out to their new homes fully litter tray trained. They are Desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, vet checked, good teeth, parasite treated, ear tattoos. 

Garden Bunnies

Garden Bunnies

What's a Garden Bunny?

A Garden Bunny is one that lives in someone's garden.  The requirements for care and housing are as follows:

The first thing you need for a pair of Garden Bunnies (yes, we recommend two so they have a friend) is a dog proof yard which has good fencing with no holes that a bunny can get through.

The second thing you need is a large weatherproof hutch or kennel under some shelter and shaded from midday and afternoon sun.

Thirdly you need a big bowl of water in a cool place which should be changed daily and a day and night's supply of a good quality rabbit pellet and premium grade hay. The dry foods should be kept in the hutch or kennel out of the weather.

Why have Garden Bunnies?

Having a couple of beautiful pet rabbits living in your garden helps make your private garden a joyous and peaceful place to be.  Some rabbits prefer to interact with their humans from a distance and will learn quickly to come right up for treats and pats too.

Would you like to have your own Garden Bunnies?

If you would like to try out some pet rabbits to live in your garden then contact The Rabbit Sanctuary and we can send you some if you have the correct garden setup as above.  Call or Text Kim on 0416 062 947 for more information. Give an abandoned rabbit or two a home. It will bring you a lot of joy.

We can deliver pet rabbits to most places on the Eastern seaboard including regional towns and Sydney and Melbourne. Dubbo, Grafton, Armidale, Port Macquarie, Taree, Lismore, Central Coast, Northern NSW and more.

RAMBO DWARF LOP FOR ADOPTION

RAMBO is a tame and friendly Dwarf Lop looking for a loving home. He is tame and friendly and loves laying stretched out in the winter sun and munching on pears! He's had a tough life and fought a few battles by the look of his one gorgeous ear that has a tiny old battle wound. He is the kind of bunny that makes you laugh with his antics and wins your heart instantly. His adoption fee is $25. We deliver to most places.

Photo of RAMBO (right) with his friend

He would not be happy in a cage as he is used to running free in the Big Rabbit Run at The Rabbit Sanctuary. He would love a home where he has a female bunny for a friend. He can come with his current friend if you want two bunnies which we think would be a great thing for him and you. 

Rabbits like comfort too

See the bunny near the fire at The Rabbit Rescue Sanctuary today

Rabbits as a pets

Rabbit Rescue Sanctuary: Why Adopt a Pet Rabbit? Rabbits as a pets
Read to find out the why and how about adopting a rabbit as a pet.