Pet Rabbits are Dying Agonising Deaths Unnecessarily
Last year, many pet rabbits died from Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD). But in many cases, these drawn-out deaths could have been avoided. That’s why the Rabbit Welfare Fund (RWF) is stressing the need and urgency to vaccinate against these diseases — now — before it kills even more pet rabbits.
(PRWEB) February 23, 2005
Rabbits that contract myxomatosis are a pitiful sight; they develop discharges from the nose and eyes, swollen genitalia and severe conjunctivitis. Lumps appear on the head and affected rabbits blindly stumble around, refusing to eat therefore starving themselves to death. The rabbit can take up to a fortnight to die and treatment of the “classic” form is usually futile. Most affected pets are put to sleep to prevent further suffering.
In contrast, Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) can kill a rabbit within hours of appearing and behaving normally. Many rabbits are found dead for no apparent reason, but others may haemorrhage before dying. ItÂ’s an agonising death and symptoms include difficulty of breathing, loss of appetite, high temperature, bleeding from the nose and back passage, and screaming.
The solution: vaccination
However, rabbit owners can protect their pets by getting them vaccinated. Judith Brown BVM&S MRCVS, Veterinary Executive for the Rabbit Welfare Fund states, “Most people don’t know that pet rabbits need vaccinations. All too often, I have witnessed the terrible suffering in rabbits that have contracted these avoidable diseases. As a vet, it is extremely distressing to point out to a grieving owner that their pet’s life could have been saved by vaccination.”
Rabbits can be vaccinated against Myxomatosis from six weeks old and this should be repeated every 12 months (six months in high risk areas). Vaccinations against VHD can be given from 10 weeks of age and should be boosted every 12 months.
Ingrid Tarrant, wife of TV quiz show host, Chris Tarrant, is also lending her support to this campaign and says:
“Many rabbit owners simply aren’t aware that vaccines exist to help prevent these dreadful diseases; if you love your rabbit, please get it vaccinated before it’s too late”.
Incentive scheme for owners
As an incentive to rabbit owners, the Rabbit Welfare Fund (RWF) is giving the first 100 rabbits that have BOTH vaccines between April and November 2005, a FREE Twig Ball. These have been been provided by Pets at Home who are supporting the campaign. The ball is ideal for rabbits: to chew, play with, throw and amuse themselves. Owners should simply send evidence (copy of medical card) of their pet receiving both vaccinations within the year and £2.50 to cover postage and packing to: RWF, PO Box 603, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 5WL.
Rabbit owners can find more information on VHD, Myxomatosis and other important rabbit health topics on the RWA web site www. rabbitwelfare. co. uk, from their local veterinary practice, or from the RWA National Helpline 0870 046 5249.
This Easter give your pet rabbit a better chance: Get it vaccinated!
Further information for press
For further information contact: Anne Mitchell on telephone number 0870 046 5249 or email hq@rabbitwelfare. co. uk
Photographs can be downloaded from:
Http://www. rabbitwelfare. co. uk/rwf/press. htm (http://www. rabbitwelfare. co. uk/rwf/press. htm)
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