The Rabbit Welfare Association and CEVA Animal Health, manufacturer of Lapinject, would like to make vets across the UK aware of recent outbreaks of Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) in North East Scotland.

Outbreaks have been confirmed in: Ellen (Aberdeenshire), Dumfermine, Perth and Shetland Isles

Keith from the North East Wildlife and Rescue Centre in Ellen explains, “We have lost 29 of our 50 rabbits so far from Viral Haemorrhagic Disease. The rabbits died suddenly without any outward signs of disease. We only knew VHD was the cause following post-mortem analysis.”

Although Viral Haemorrhagic Disease is classically considered to be associated with bleeding from the nose, many cases (as reported here) are associated with sudden death without any other clinical signs.

This recent outbreak is a reminder of the ever present threat of Viral Haemorrhagic Disease in the UK. Unfortunately the virus itself is highly contagious and easily spread, resistant to freezing and persists for a long time in the environment. As a result even house rabbits are at risk from infection.