December 2024 Update

RHDV testing

Over December, we received submissions from NSW, WA, VIC, QLD, ACT and TAS. RHDV2 remains the dominant circulating strain in positive cases and seems to be active in all of the above listed states. Submission numbers continue to be high.

As you can see in the figure below, the virus seems to be more widespread compared to previous months where detected cases were geographically close to each other. Detected cases in WA were more localised near Perth.

Calicivirus was detected in 64.5% of our samples. Domestic rabbit owners are encouraged to do the following to protect their rabbits:

• 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 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.