Easter Bunny at the Vets

THIS morning the Easter Bunny was seen visiting Jane Bennett, district veterinarian for Local Land Services – Hunter.

The Easter Bunny being briefed on the calicivirus and myxomatosis by Jane Bennett, district veterinarian for the local land services Hunter.

Mr Bunny was receiving a briefing on the local lay of the land for calicivirus and myxomatosis.

Autumn is the season when the calicivirus is released, so it is fortunate that the Easter Bunny has been vaccinated against the disease.

The Easter Bunny encourages all pet rabbits to make sure they have visited their animal doctor and are fully vaccinated against the disease.

“When you travel anywhere you should be aware of what vaccinations you need to have,” said Mr Bunny.

“It is especially important for rabbits to know that autumn is the danger period, which coincides with our busiest period of Easter,” he said.

Unfortunately, in  Australia there is no vaccine available for myxomatosis, so rabbits are encouraged to take other precautions.

“In some parts of the world there are vaccines available for myxomatosis, so it is shame there is no vaccine available here,” he said.

“There is a rabbit lobby group campaigning in Australia for the vaccine to be made available, but I am told it is tied up in negotiations of family planning, which is well-known as a highly contentious issue for rabbits.

The Easter Bunny was seen checking the national parks maps, where wild rabbits are running rampant and risking contracting disease.

“In the meantime, I’d encourage Australian rabbits to take the practical precautions recommended by their animal doctor,” Easter Bunny said.

Rabbits are advised to wrap their homes in insect netting to prevent mosquitos and fleas carrying the myxoma virus from biting the rabbits and transmitting the disease.

Rabbits are also advised to avoid being outside at sunrise and sunset when mosquitos are more active.

To avoid fleas is also important, but some flea medications can cause severe reactions in rabbits so you must consult your vet about what medications can be used.