calicivirus

Imminently there will be a release of RHVD virus in the Wollongong area.

Both RHVD and myxomatosis are fatal diseases of rabbits that are used to control wild populations of rabbits. After the wet year we've had the rabbit population has exploded and council is working with the department of primary industries to control these populations by releasing RHVD virus. 

To protect your rabbit against RHDV you need to have your rabbit's vaccination current.

Rabbit Calicivirus, also known as Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV), is a viral disease first released in Australia in 1996, in an effort to control feral rabbits. There are a number of different strains in Australia.  A new strain, RHDV1 K5, is to be released in the Illawarra and over 600 sites across Australia in early March. This timing corresponds with peak feral rabbit numbers.

How does it spread?

The virus is spread by rabbit to rabbit contact, flies and fleas, as well as contaminated clothes and environment.

Calicivirus occurs in the Wollongong area from time to time. There are often controlled releases done to control the wild rabbit population.  

Calicicirus is a viral disease of rabbits that causes them to die very quickly.  It's spread by direct contact or mosquitoes so: