Effective Prevention Strategies for Rabbit Fever: A Com

Section 1: Ensuring Vaccine Quality

1. Purchase Vaccines Through Official Channels. It is crucial for breeders to acquire rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) vaccines from authorized suppliers. When buying, always check the expiration date to avoid expired vaccines. Opt for vaccines that are as close to the production date as possible for the highest level of assurance.

2. Inspect Vaccine Appearance. Before administering the vaccine to rabbits, owners should carefully examine the bottle for any damage at the cap or signs of mold, foreign matter, or clumping inside. If any of these issues are present, the vaccine should not be used.

3. Store Vaccines Properly. Some rabbit farms or owners have mistakenly stored RHD vaccines in refrigerated or cool conditions, leading to outbreaks of the disease due to reduced vaccine efficacy. It's important to store vaccines in a cool, shaded area at temperatures between 0 to 8 degrees Celsius to maintain their effectiveness.

Section 2: Ensuring Immunization Effectiveness

1. Develop a Rational Immunization Schedule. The antibody levels produced by young rabbits after their first vaccination are typically low and do not last more than a month. The best time for the first vaccination is within 5 to 7 days after weaning, and a booster shot should be administered 15 to 20 days later for optimal results.

2. Adhere to Immunization Intervals. The immunity period for RHD vaccines is generally 6 months, but due to various factors, it often lasts only 3 to 5 months. Therefore, rabbits should be vaccinated 3 to 4 times a year for consistent protection. If possible, owners should have their rabbits tested for antibody levels to determine the best immunization schedule.

3. Enhance the Antibody Capacity of Does. To ensure that young rabbits receive better passive immunity from their mothers, owners should maintain high antibody levels in the does. Depending on the situation, a vaccine can be administered to the does before pregnancy, but it should not be given during the latter stages of pregnancy to prevent miscarriage.

4. Opt for Single Vaccines. It is recommended to use single vaccines for rabbits, as they have been shown to provide the best immunization results. Try to minimize the use of combination vaccines.

5. Use Separate Needles. To prevent crosscontamination, always use a new needle for each rabbit during vaccination. Alternatively, sterilize the needle with boiling water after each use.

6. Administer the Correct Dose. When selecting the immunization dose, it is advisable to use 10% to 20% more than the recommended amount to prevent insufficient doses due to residual medication in the vaccine bottle or syringe.

7. Perform Procedures Properly. Follow the vaccination protocol strictly, injecting the vaccine subcutaneously or intramuscularly, and avoid any issues like needle sticking to ensure effective immunization.

Pet Doctor's Tip: Vaccinating rabbits is a meticulous process. It is recommended that owners learn the proper techniques before attempting to immunize their rabbits themselves.