Why Rabbit Vaccination Matters Across Europe
Domestic rabbits in Europe face three diseases that are each capable of killing an unvaccinated animal rapidly and without warning. Myxomatosis, Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease type 1 (VHD1 or RHDV1), and the more recently emerged Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease type 2 (VHD2 or RHDV2) are all endemic across large parts of the continent. Vaccination against all three is strongly recommended by vets across the EU and UK, and in most cases it is the only realistic protection available to pet rabbit owners.
This guide explains each disease, how it spreads, what to expect from vaccination, and why the landscape of rabbit vaccination has changed significantly since the emergence of VHD2.
Myxomatosis: Endemic Across Europe
Myxomatosis is caused by the Myxoma virus, which was deliberately introduced to Europe from South America in the 1950s as a method of controlling wild rabbit populations. It proved devastatingly effective. The disease is now endemic in wild rabbit populations across most of Europe, with particularly high prevalence in Spain, France, and the United Kingdom.
The virus is spread primarily by biting insects — fleas, mosquitoes, mites, and flies — meaning that contact with wild rabbits is not necessary for transmission. An insect that has fed on an infected wild rabbit can transmit the virus to a domestic rabbit simply by biting it, even through a garden fence or hutch wire.
Signs of Myxomatosis
Initial signs include swelling and discharge around the eyes and nose, which rapidly progresses to severe conjunctivitis, skin swelling, and large fluid-filled lumps (myxomata) appearing around the face, ears, and genitals. Affected rabbits are lethargic, stop eating, and deteriorate quickly. In unvaccinated rabbits, myxomatosis is almost always fatal, typically within 10 to 14 days. There is no specific treatment, and humane euthanasia is often the kindest outcome.
Some vaccinated rabbits that contract myxomatosis develop a milder, chronic form of the disease and may survive with intensive supportive care, though recovery is not guaranteed.
VHD1 (RHDV1): Sudden Death Without Warning
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease type 1, caused by RHDV1, emerged in Europe in the 1980s after spreading from China. The disease causes peracute (extremely rapid) liver necrosis and haemorrhage throughout multiple organ systems. In many cases, an apparently healthy rabbit simply dies overnight with no preceding signs of illness.
Where signs do occur before death, they may include sudden collapse, bleeding from the nose or other orifices, seizures, and severe lethargy. Death typically occurs within one to two days of exposure, and mortality rates in unvaccinated rabbits are very high. The virus is extremely stable in the environment and can persist on surfaces, bedding, and clothing for weeks or months.
VHD1 spreads via direct contact with infected rabbits or their faeces, but also through contaminated equipment, clothing, and the environment. Wild birds and insects may carry the virus mechanically between sites. This means even rabbits kept entirely indoors can be exposed if owners handle infected wild rabbits or walk through contaminated areas.
VHD2 (RHDV2): The Emerging and Now Dominant Threat
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease type 2 is a distinct and in many respects more concerning variant that first emerged in France around 2010. It has since spread rapidly across Europe and is now considered the dominant circulating strain across much of the continent, including the UK, Spain, France, Italy, and beyond.
VHD2 differs from VHD1 in several critically important ways that pet rabbit owners need to understand:
- VHD2 can infect and kill young rabbits (kits) from as early as 4 to 5 weeks of age. VHD1 does not typically affect very young rabbits, as maternal antibodies provide temporary protection. This protection does not apply to VHD2.
- VHD2 also affects European hares (Lepus europaeus), which is unusual for a lagovirus and contributes significantly to its spread across wildlife populations.
- The clinical course of VHD2 can be more variable than VHD1 — some rabbits develop a subacute or chronic illness rather than peracute death, which can make it harder to recognise initially.
- VHD2 spreads efficiently through the environment via insects, contaminated surfaces, water, hay, and clothing. Indoor rabbits are genuinely at risk from VHD2 even if they have no direct outdoor access.
The environmental stability and diverse transmission routes of VHD2 mean that no domestic rabbit in Europe should be considered safe from this disease without vaccination.
Vaccination: What Is Available and Where
Vaccine availability for rabbits varies between countries, and the products available in one EU member state may not be the same as those licenced in another. This is an important practical consideration for rabbit owners, particularly those who travel with their pets or who have recently relocated.
United Kingdom
In the UK, Nobivac Myxo-RHD Plus is a combined vaccine that provides protection against Myxomatosis, VHD1, and VHD2 in a single injection. It is licenced from 5 weeks of age and requires annual boosters to maintain protection. This combined product has simplified rabbit vaccination considerably compared to the separate vaccine schedules previously required.
European Union
Within EU countries, the situation is more complex. Some countries have access to combined vaccines covering all three diseases, while others may have only separate VHD1 and Myxomatosis vaccines available, requiring owners to ask their vet specifically about VHD2 coverage. In countries where no combined or stand-alone VHD2 vaccine is licenced, vets may need to use products under cascade prescribing rules. Owners should discuss this explicitly with their veterinary practice to ensure their rabbit is protected against all three diseases, and not assume that a standard vaccination course automatically covers VHD2.
Vaccination Schedule and Practical Considerations
Depending on the product used and the country of residence, a typical rabbit vaccination schedule involves:
- Primary vaccination from 5 weeks of age (for combined products) or as directed by the product data sheet
- Annual booster vaccinations to maintain immunity throughout the rabbit's life
- In high-risk areas or during known local outbreaks, your vet may advise more frequent vaccination
Vaccination is suitable for healthy rabbits. If your rabbit is unwell, inform your vet before proceeding, as vaccination of a sick animal may be deferred. Pregnant rabbits and very young kits should be discussed with your vet individually.
Do Indoor Rabbits Need Vaccinating?
This is one of the most common questions rabbit owners ask, and the answer is clearly yes — particularly for VHD2 and Myxomatosis.
Insects carrying Myxoma virus or VHD2 can enter any home through open windows, doors, or vents. VHD2 has been transmitted to strictly indoor rabbits via hay, fresh vegetables, clothing worn outdoors, and hands that have touched contaminated surfaces or wild rabbit droppings. There are documented cases of indoor rabbits dying from VHD2 in the absence of any obvious environmental exposure.
Speak to your vet about the appropriate vaccination programme for your rabbit. It is the single most effective protective measure available, and the consequences of leaving a rabbit unvaccinated against these three diseases are severe.