Symptoms of Rabbit Fever: Key Indicators Explained

One: Symptoms of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease

1. The Most Acute Type: This form of the disease is more common in newly affected areas. In the early stages of the outbreak, affected rabbits may suddenly die without any warning signs. Most often, they exhibit a sudden burst of excitement followed by a scream and collapse. A few rabbits may show symptoms such as red, frothy discharge from the nostrils, relaxed anal sphincters, and a small amount of pale yellow mucus around the anus.

2. The Acute Type: The course of this disease typically lasts from 12 to 48 hours. During this period, affected rabbits may show signs of depression, lack of movement, decreased appetite, but an increased desire for water, rapid breathing, and a rise in body temperature. Just before death, rabbits may become extremely excited, running frantically in their cages or biting at the bars, and may fall to the ground with their limbs flailing and convulsing while screaming. After a few screams, they die. Some rabbits may have a small amount of frothy blood discharge after death.

3. The Subacute Type: This type is more prevalent in rabbits younger than two months. Affected rabbits become emaciated, with dry and dull fur. The illness usually lasts for 2 to 3 days, and rabbits may die if not treated successfully.

Two: Causes of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease

1. Immunization Failure: Despite vaccinations, there may be instances where the immunization does not succeed. Several factors can contribute to this, such as lowquality vaccines, an irrational immunization schedule, vaccine spoilage, or insufficient vaccine doses.

2. Poor Management: Inadequate care by the keeper, such as irregular and insufficient feeding, lack of scientific husbandry techniques in the rabbit shed, poor sanitation, poor air quality, inappropriate temperature and humidity, and failure to promptly treat other diseases, can all weaken the rabbits' resistance to disease, or prevent the development of high levels of antibodies even after vaccination.

3. Breed Factors: Some rabbit breeds may have weaker constitutions, making them more susceptible to viral infections.

Three: Preventing Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease

There is no specific medication available to treat Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure. It is recommended that owners vaccinate their rabbits after weaning, as young rabbits typically develop immunity within 5 to 7 days, and should be revaccinated every 4 to 6 months. For adult rabbits, vaccination should be administered 2 to 3 times a year.

That concludes our analysis of the symptoms and causes of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease. We hope that owners can take proactive measures to prevent this disease and keep their rabbits healthy and free from harm.