April 2024 Update

RHDV testing

In April, we received submissions from ACT, NSW, VIC, WA, SA and TAS. Submission numbers have started to dwindle as we approach winter. RHDV2 remains the dominant circulating strain in positive cases and seems to be active in NSW and TAS.

Calicivirus was detected in 10% of our samples. We urge domestic rabbit owners to continue to be cautious despite the low prevalence of detected virus:

• Decontaminate hands, shoes and clothing before handling rabbits
• Keep your pet rabbit indoors
• Regularly decontaminate equipment and materials including cages, hutches, bowls etc, with either 10% bleach, 10% sodium hydroxide, or a parvocidal disinfectant such as F10SC or Virkon
• Control insects (especially flies) as much as possible both indoors and outdoors
• Rabbit-proof your backyard to prevent access by wild rabbits
• Limit contact between and handling of unfamiliar pet rabbits

Additionally, pet rabbits should be vaccinated with Cylap® or Filavac® (AVA). Please note that it will take a few weeks for rabbits to build up their immunity following vaccination.

If you suspect a rabbit may have died of calicivirus, you can request a free test kit by sending an email to rabbitcalicivirus@csiro.au with your postal address.

 

Myxoma virus testing

Myxoma virus was detected in 46.7% of samples, all detected in SA. We encourage submitters to only submit samples when the rabbits are displaying the typical clinical signs of myxomatosis: swelling around the face and genitals, ocular discharges, lethargy. Unlike rabbit calicivirus testing, the preferred samples for testing are eyelids and skin lesions.

If you would like to request a myxoma virus testing kit, please email us at RabbitCalicivirus@csiro.au