March 2025 Update

Over March, we received submissions from NSW, VIC, ACT, WA and TAS. RHDV2 remains the dominant circulating strain in positive cases and is active in WA and VIC. Positive samples in WA were mainly localised to Perth.

Submission numbers were comparable to last month but detection of calicivirus has decreased. 

Calicivirus was detected in 23% 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.