Fear for UK rabbit owners as disease that kills pets in HOURS hits Britain

RABBIT owners are being warned over a mutated disease now striking in Britain which can kill the pets within 48 hours.

The highly-contagious strain of Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD2) can cause internal organs, particularly the liver, to haemorrhage with the resulting blood loss impossible to control.

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The original strain was found in China in 1983 and within months wiped out 14million rabbits.

The mutated version of the airborne disease was first diagnosed last year in Dawlish, Devon.

Keep their hutches and living areas clean, including their food and water bowls

Vet Ian Hopkins

This year there have been ten confirmed cases, with the latest earlier this week in Cheshire.

A vaccine is in short supply because of outbreaks in Europe.

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The disease hits both domestic and wild rabbits but does not affect any other animals.

It can spread from one rabbit to another, or via people, bedding and insects such as flies and fleas.

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Vet Ian Hopkins, of Knutsford, Cheshire, said: “We are encouraging owners to remain vigilant.

“It comes down to good animal hygiene, so making sure you keep their hutches and living areas clean, including their food and water bowls.”

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