Essential Vaccines for Rabbits: A Comprehensive Guide
What Vaccinations Should Rabbits Receive?
Rabbits can be vaccinated against a variety of diseases, but in most rabbit farms, it is common practice to administer only one or two vaccinations to the rabbits. This is because some rabbit diseases have low incidence rates, pose minimal threat, or have poor immunity, so they are not vaccinated. However, it is crucial to vaccinate rabbits against the rabbit hemorrhagic disease, as it is quite common and can cause significant harm to rabbits in various regions. The vaccine for rabbit hemorrhagic disease provides excellent immunity, making it essential to vaccinate rabbits with this vaccine. Typically, the first vaccination against rabbit hemorrhagic disease should be given to rabbits at 30 days old. However, due to the presence of maternal antibodies in the kits at this stage, which can interfere with their vaccine absorption, a second vaccination is required 45 days after the first one to enhance immunity. Thereafter, rabbits should receive a booster shot every six months. It's usually the case that commercial rabbits are slaughtered before they receive their third vaccination.
The rabbit hemorrhagic disease vaccine is usually administered subcutaneously, with the injection volume being 1.5 to 2 times the recommended dosage. The hemorrhagic disease vaccine can also be combined with the Pasteurella multocida vaccine, which not only protects against hemorrhagic disease but also against Pasteurella multocida disease. However, the Pasteurella multocida vaccine may not be as effective, only reducing the incidence of the disease, and many rabbits may still become ill after vaccination. It is important for owners to note that it is best to avoid giving rabbits the triple vaccine, as it tends to have poor immunity. Generally, besides the rabbit hemorrhagic disease and Pasteurella multocida vaccines, other rabbit vaccines, such as the Clostridium perfringens and Staphylococcus aureus vaccines, can be administered on a casebycase basis and are not mandatory.
The above information provided by Oxygen Pet Doctor aims to help you better understand the vaccinations needed for rabbits and to improve your rabbit care.