Controlling Rabbit Fever: Strategies and Prevention

Section 1: Symptoms of Rabbit Fever

Rabbit fever manifests in three primary types of symptoms:

1. The Most Acute Form: This is characterized by a sudden death without any prior noticeable symptoms. The affected rabbits often exhibit brief excitement before death, such as frantic running, screaming, struggling, and convulsions. Some may show a phenomenon of foamlike blood coming from the nostrils. This form of the disease typically occurs in the early stages of an outbreak.

2. The Acute Form: Rabbits with this symptom show a lack of energy, decreased or complete loss of appetite, increased thirst, rough hair, rapid weight loss, elevated body temperature (above 41°C), and sudden excitement followed by尖叫ing and collapsing. These symptoms are most common in young and adult rabbits, and before death, they may experience a relaxed anus and a small amount of pale, soft feces.

3. The Chronic Form: This type of symptom is usually observed in the later stages of the outbreak and is more prevalent in weaned young rabbits. Affected rabbits may exhibit elevated body temperature, lack of energy, a sudden decrease in appetite but a preference for drinking water, and gradual weight loss. These symptoms can last for more than two days, and most rabbits can recover, but they can still carry the virus and infect other healthy rabbits.

Section 2: Treatment for Rabbit Fever

Rabbit fever spreads rapidly, and there is no highly effective treatment available yet. For cases with a slower onset, early administration of HDVspecific hightiter antiserum can be effective. However, the key to preventing rabbit fever lies in strengthening the rabbits' immune system.

During an outbreak, it is crucial to quickly isolate the affected area, cull the infected rabbits and those in close contact, and dispose of their bodies and feces safely, such as by deep burial or incineration. Also, emergency vaccinations should be administered to rabbits in threatened areas, with the vaccination dose doubled. Antibiotics should be fed to prevent secondary infections. Additionally, contaminated rabbit pens, items, and surrounding environments should be thoroughly disinfected using 2%4% lye.

Section 3: Prevention is Key

Research and experiments have proven that timely vaccination is the most effective method for preventing rabbit fever. Organized inactivated vaccines, specifically designed for this disease, can be injected subcutaneously into rabbits. Healthy rabbits can be vaccinated for the first time at around 4045 days old, followed by a booster shot at 60 days, and then every six months thereafter. Before vaccination, it is important to: disinfect the rabbit pen three days prior to vaccination, avoid using any disinfectants or insecticides on vaccinated rabbits for three days after vaccination to prevent a drop in antibody levels, and ensure poor vaccination outcomes or failure. Additionally, proper preventive measures should be taken, such as strengthening feeding management and implementing strict control measures.

By now, I hope you have gained a better understanding of the symptoms and prevention of rabbit fever from the above information shared by Dr. Oxygen Pet. As there is no specific cure for rabbit fever at present, prevention is crucial. We encourage all pet owners to vaccinate their rabbits promptly to prevent this serious disease.