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VMD issues advice on RHDV-2
rabbit
A recent analysis found that the RHDV-2 virus has been present in the UK since 2010.

Vets urged to use their clinical judgement

The VMD has issued advice to vets on treating rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV-2) amid concerns over a lack of vaccine.

They say that in the absence of a medicine to treat RHDV-2, vets can either:

  • Prescribe another medicine in accordance with the prescribing cascade, or
  • import a vaccine under the VMD’s Special Import Scheme (SIS)

A recent analysis found that the RHDV-2 virus has been present in the UK since 2010. Currently there is no specific vaccine for this variant, and conventional RHD vaccines provide only limited protection.

The VMD report that some vets are importing vaccines authorised against RHDV-2 from other EU countries under the SIS. These include Filavac VHD K C+V, Novarviap and Cunipravac RHD Variant.

However, no information is available on the safety and efficacy of these vaccines for rabbits, including when they are used at the same time as other vaccines (e.g. classical RHDV vaccines).

The VMD urges vets to use their clinical judgement in individual cases to decide the most suitable vaccination protocol.

‘The vet should contact the vaccine manufacturer directly for further information,’ they add.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.