According to a recent Department of Primary Industries Biosecurity Bulletin, Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease virus 1 K5 will be released nationally in the first week of March.
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This virus is being released as a biocontrol measure to manage wild European rabbits. RHDV1 K5 is not a new virus. It is a Korean variant of the existing virus already widespread in Australia that was released in 1996. RHDV1s, including RHDV1 K5, are strongly species specific viruses, affecting only rabbits and hares, and in particular the European rabbit.They are not known to cause disease in any other Australian animal species.
Vaccination of pet and breeding rabbits against RHDV1 has been shown to be effective against RHDV1 K5. A study completed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries compared the mortality of a small number of vaccinated and unvaccinated rabbits that were subsequently infected with a high dose of RHDV1 K5.
All of the rabbits vaccinated with the currently available vaccine survived the infection with RHDV1 K5 and did not show any clinical signs; none of the unvaccinated rabbits survived.
It is important to prevent direct and indirect contact between domestic and wild rabbits. Avoid cutting grass and feeding it to rabbits if there is the risk of contamination from wild rabbits. Wash your hands with warm soapy water between handling rabbits. Good insect control is also important and will help reduce the risks of introduction of both RHDV and myxomatosis.
It is recommended all healthy domestic rabbits are vaccinated against RHVD1.
The Australian Veterinary Association recommends that rabbits are vaccinated against RHDV1.