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| PET GAZETTE | BVA
NOT A HAPPY BUNNY?
As June welcomed Rabbit Awareness Week (1 - 9 June 2019), Junior Vice President of the
British Veterinary Association and small animal and exotic pet vet, Daniella Dos Santos looks
at three ways we can raise the bar on the health and welfare of our pet rabbits.
A
lthough rabbits are the third most popular pet in the
UK, their needs are some of the most misunderstood.
Often named ‘the forgotten pet’, there are many
areas of rabbit husbandry that need refreshing.
In a bid to help better the lives of pet rabbits in the
UK, vets and animal welfare charities joined forces to support Rabbit
Awareness Week (RAW 1-9 June 2019), an annual, public facing
campaign aimed to shed light on one key rabbit welfare issue each
year.
1. VACCINATIONS
This year, RAW is focused on vaccinations. This was in an effort to
protect against recent outbreaks of a highly infectious and deadly
rabbit virus strain, Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease Type 2
(RVHD2). The disease can kill and is transferred through flies and food
sources. It can also be brought home on the soles of shoes meaning
that not even house rabbits can escape being at risk.
The best protection against RVHD2 and other viral rabbit diseases
such as Myxomatosis and RVHD1, is vaccination. A recent BVA survey
of vets in the UK showed that 98% of vets had been questioned by
their clients on the need for vaccination. A 2018 PDSA Paw report
showed that 34% of rabbits were not registered with a vet at all. The
veterinary profession would like to see more rabbits coming through
our doors and always welcome questions – we would much prefer
that an owner comes in to see us with a list of questions than not to
come in at all! It’s a good idea to advise anyone thinking of taking on
a rabbit of the importance of registering with a vet and to keep up to
date with their rabbits’ vaccinations.
2. COMPANIONSHIP
Despite the fact that they are highly social animals, PDSA’s 2018 PAW
Report showed that over half (58%) of rabbits in the UK still live alone.
Rabbits enjoy a higher quality of life with a companion and can
suffer from depression without social interaction. The ideal, ‘suitable
companion’, is a neutered rabbit of the opposite sex or neutered
siblings. As rabbits are prey species, they should not be kept along
with predator species such as cats and dogs due to the stress it will
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cause the rabbit, and injury the others may inflict on the pet rabbit.
We also advise owners against housing their pet rabbit with smaller
species, such as guinea pigs. The reason for this is the strength and
size of a rabbit’s hind legs and tendency to kick. There is also a risk of
transferred disease.
3. HOUSING
Whether they live inside or outside, rabbits need as much space
as possible. In the wild, rabbits roam in an equivalent area of
around 30 tennis courts. Domestic indoor and outdoor rabbits are
happiest housed within an overall area of at least 10 ft x 6 ft. For
outdoor rabbits and depending on their size we recommend an
attached, secure outdoor run which is at least 3ft high and 6ft long,
at minimum. A rabbit should be able to hop at least three times in a
row and stand on their back legs. It is also always worth reminding
owners that a rabbit house should have a safe hiding place, a
separate toileting area, access to clean water and food and be kept
out of direct sunlight, especially in the summer months.
These are just three of the ways that we can help owners to make
sure their rabbits are happier and healthier. More information and
resources for retailers and owners are available at
www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk
June 2019