Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital is proud to be one of the only clinics in the State of Tennessee to offer the Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Vaccine (RHDV2) by MedGene.
Dr. Kopp - Nashville's Rabbit Expert - has been a proponent of the vaccine since inception.
We are also one of the first clinics (and one of a few) in Tennessee to vaccinate against this disease!
This RHDV2 vaccine offered by your Antioch TN rabbit specialist veterinarian is currently offered on CUA (conditional use authorization) much like the COVID19 vaccines when they first came out.
This vaccine can help protect your individual bunny or your herd of bunnies from this near 100% fatal disease. Currently, the vaccine only comes in bottles of 10 doses, therefore your Nashville rabbit veterinarian is doing numerous vaccine clinics to protect as many rabbits as possible.
This vaccine is currently estimated to be 100% protective (though this may slightly change with more research) from this nearly 100% fatal disease. Your Nashville Rabbit expert Veterinarian believes it is vitally important to vaccinate before this disease in endemic in the State of Tennessee.
Your rabbit vet in Nashville is concerned this virus could survive on hay or other toys and recommends vaccination even in bunnies that never go outside.
With a confirmed case of RHDV2 in Tennessee, it becomes even more important to vaccinate your bunny!
If you are interested in learning more about signing up for the RHDV2 vaccine from your Nashville Vet, please call us at 615-361-4646
Links:
MedGene
House Rabbit Society
USDA
State of Tennessee
Check out Dr. Kopp's Op-Ed in the Tennessean about this deadly disease.
Check out Dr. Kopp's News Channel 5 interview about this deadly disease.
Dr. Kopp has also been interviewed and featured in Scientific American regarding RHDV2 vaccination!
FAQ: Medgene RHDV2 Vaccine
What kind of vaccine is this?
Medgene’s vaccine uses a single subunit of the RHDV2 virus (VP60 antigen) to generate a strong immune response, providing rabbits with near-complete resistance to the disease. More information from Medgene is available here.
How is the vaccine administered?
The vaccine requires two subcutaneous doses, spaced 21 days apart. Annual boosters are recommended to maintain efficacy.
How soon does it become effective?
The vaccine becomes fully effective 35 days after the first dose and 14 days after the second. Booster data is not yet available.
How effective is it?
In Medgene’s preliminary tests, 100% of vaccinated rabbits survived direct exposure to the virus under laboratory conditions. While these studies show 100% efficacy, it is unknown the true degree of protection given by the vaccine until more information is avalible.
Is it safe?
Preliminary testing indicates the vaccine is safe, with minimal side effects, such as mild swelling at the injection site, slight fever, or lethargy, all resolving within 1–2 days. Dr. Kopp, Middle Tennessee’s rabbit vet, has only seen the above mild adverse effects with the RHDV2 vaccine.
Important Considerations
- Availability: Only licensed veterinarians in authorized states can order the vaccine.
- State Authorization: State Veterinarians oversee vaccine use, including recordkeeping and requirements.
- Transition from Imported Vaccines: Medgene’s vaccine will replace imported options (Eravac and Filavac) as USDA import permits expire.
Biosecurity Practices
Even with vaccination, caregivers are encouraged to continue biosecurity measures, particularly in high-risk or RHD-endemic areas. Recommendations include:
- Rinsing vegetables for all rabbits.
- Minimizing outdoor exposure in risky areas.
- Consulting your local rabbit vet for specific advice
Vaccinated rabbits are well-protected but could still shed the virus if exposed. Biosecurity remains critical for immunocompromised rabbits and those in areas with threatened wild rabbit populations.
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