March 2023 Update

April 6th, 2023

RHDV2 continues to be the dominant virus detected and has been particularly active in VIC and NSW during March 2023.

Submission numbers are starting to decrease as we approach the cooler months, but still remain consistent particularly from VIC and NSW. Again, RHDV2 remains the dominant circulating strain in positive cases and seems to be active in VIC, NSW, ACT, WA, SA and QLD.

In over 50% of samples, calicivirus was not detected in the liver. However, as calicivirus was detected in other rabbits located in the same states as those who tested negative, we would still urge rabbit owners to continue to be cautious:

  • 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.