Pet Gazette June 2019 | Page 18

18 | 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 www.petgazette.biz 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