November 2023 Update

In November, we received submissions from NSW, VIC, WA, QLD, TAS, SA and ACT. Following from October, submissions numbers continue to rise, which correlates with increased insect activity in hotter weather. RHDV2 remains the dominant circulating strain in positive cases and seems to be active in all states we received submissions from.

Calicivirus was detected in 74.5% of our samples. With the majority of samples testing positive, we urge domestic 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.