Calicivirus and the Importance of Vaccinating

Calicivirus is a devastating virus, and so often misunderstood and underestimated.

It's important to know the facts with Calicivirus, and how much it can impact anyone.

Facts about Calicivirus

Facts:

• A vaccine (Filavac) is available for your Rabbits. (Vaccines taking 10-14 to be effective).

• RHDV2 has an incubation period of 1-3 days.

• Within 6-12 hours of symptoms, death occurs.

• Calicivirus is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS.

• Calicivirus can only be tested post-mortem, using a sample of the deceased’s liver.

• Calicivirus stays in the environment for a minimum of 120 days in normal temperature, do not bring any new Rabbits home until your environment is free from Calicivirus.

• F10 at 1:100 ratio, Bleach and Boiling Water kills Calicivirus on surfaces, clothing and equipment.

• Calicivirus can be spread through Clothing, Equipment, Pets, Food, Insects, Droppings, it can even blow in the wind. 

• Whilst Calicivirus cannot affect other animals or humans, it can be carried by them on their skin and fur.

• RHDV2 always has a second outbreak when cleaning, protect your Rabbits during this time.

• The Filavac vaccine only has a 90-95% coverage rate, so even vaccinated Rabbits can contract the virus and die, but the risks are lower and outcomes better for vaccinated Rabbits.

Calicivirus is released regularly by local governments, landowners, and can be accessible to release by members of the public. This virus can be released anywhere, at anytime, so being proactive is key to your Rabbit’s survival.

Bringing new Rabbits home:

Quarantine any new Rabbit coming into your home for a minimum of 2 weeks, this allows any health issues to arise without infecting your current Rabbits, and allows for full quarantining of Calicivirus.

Symptoms of Calicivirus include:

• Lethargy

• Lack of Appetite

• Difficulty Breathing

• Bleeding from Eyes and Nose

• Seizures

• Sudden Death

It is important to always test when you have had unexpected or unexplainable deaths.

Ways to reduce the risk of Calicivirus in your home:

• You cannot ever fully protect from Calicivirus.

• Vaccinate your Rabbits, every 11 months, allow 10-14 days for your vaccine to become effective.

• Keep Rabbits indoors as much as possible.

• Avoid any contact with Wild Rabbits, or unvaccinated Rabbits that you do not know.

• Use F10 disinfectant on all Clothing and Equipment, and when Entering the Home.

• Quarantine new Rabbits coming into your home for a least 1-2 weeks.

Calicivirus (RDHV) is a highly contagious virus, that is designed to kill any Rabbit it infects. Staying proactive, following prevention techniques and being alert for symptoms is incredibly important for your Rabbit’s wellbeing and survival.

For more information, see the CSIRO’s information of Calicivirus, or speak with your Rabbit Savvy Vet.

Our Experience with Calicivirus

In 2024, we experienced a Calicivirus outbreak, that not only killed our rabbits, but devastated our homes and our lives.

After taking in 2 rabbits needing urgent care, showing no symptoms, we experienced heavy losses including some of our own. 

Calicivirus danced around our house, selecting who would live and who would die. It killed both unvaccinated and vaccinated cases, it did not show any mercy. Calicivirus cannot be controlled.

We managed to move those in none compromised rooms out of our house (to non rabbit homes). From there, we waited days to see if they would live or die.

Willow & Misty, Rex & Ahsoka, Rose & Scanner, Stevie, Walter, and Merry & Pippin were able to go out on the lifeboats, and survived. River died whilst we watched from a nanny camera, seizing and dying whilst we stood there helpless.

We lost Luna, our first rabbit. Her identical twin brother, Neville,  was still with us.. He waited in the quiet lonely room where all his friends had died right in front of him, not knowing if he would join the same fate, or be lucky enough to make it through but be left with the grief. Each night, we told Nev we love him, we were proud of him, and that we hoped to see him in the morning. Thankfully Neville survived. 

We disposed of over 1000kg worth of supplies and personal items that could not be disinfected. Spending weeks cleaning our family home to make it safe for our babies to come back again.

We took 2 souls into our home, with the intention to help them, it took one mistake to leave so much devastation behind...

About Calicivirus (RHDV):

Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV), known as Calicivirus, is a highly contagious and fatal disease in Rabbits. It has been designed to control Wild Rabbit populations within Australia, it’s purpose is to kill those it infects. Their are currently many types of Calicivirus, RHDV1, RHDV1a, RHDV1-K5, and RHDV 2, both cause rapid deterioration and death in unvaccinated Rabbits.

Calicivirus ripped through our home, our hearts and our loved ones. It left us with the devastation behind. 

We waited, not knowing who were to live, or die, not knowing when we could exhale again.

We sat and held babies whilst they scream and died. 

We watched those we love suffer, unable to do anything.

We lived through hell.

Though we are free from the virus, we are still living through the grief, trauma, and the guilt left behind.

Please do not take Calicivirus lightly.