THERE has been another confirmed case of viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD), which affects rabbits, in the Holsworthy area.

Tamar Vets issued a warning to rabbit owners on social media as a new case of VHD has been confirmed in Holsworthy following a previous case in Bude.

They said VHD is caused by a highly contagious virus, calicirvirus. Both VHD type 1 and VHD type 2 have been confirmed now locally in recent times with the latest in Holsworthy.

VHD 1 is rapidly fatal, which causes internal bleeding and death within 48 hours in almost 100% of cases.

VHD 2 has a slower onset and can show signs ranging from lethargy and being off colour, to sudden death in 7% to 20% of cases.

But they say, unlike VHD 1, rabbits under the age of six weeks have no immunity to VHD 2.

They warn that transmission is by direct contact with infected rabbits, rodents, birds or objects (fomites) that harbour the disease. But, they say vaccination is essential and has been proven to be successful.

A rabbit can be vaccinated against both diseases at five weeks of age — this also includes vaccinating for myxomatosis. A second injection will be needed two weeks later for VHD 2.

For more information contact Tamar Vets on 01288 354796 or visit their website www.tamarvets.co.uk