February 2025 Update

RHDV testing

Over February, we received submissions from NSW, VIC, ACT, SA, TAS and NT. 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.

Similar to January, the virus continues to be widespread across the country. Detected cases in WA were localised near Perth.

Calicivirus was detected in 46% 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.

 

Myxoma virus testing

Myxoma virus was detected in 2 samples; both in TAS.