Rabbit Vaccination – Protection You Shouldn't Delay
Do you have a rabbit or a “hare”?
In everyday speech, we often hear someone say they have a “hare,” but in most cases, that’s not correct.
A hare is a wild animal, it cannot be domesticated and cannot live in an apartment.
A rabbit is a tame, domestic animal – bred and kept as a pet.
So, if your “hare” likes to be petted, eats from a bowl, and sleeps in a cage – it is actually a rabbit!
What is Myxomatosis?
Myxomatosis is a severe viral disease of rabbits, transmitted by bloodsucking insects – most commonly mosquitoes and fleas.
Infection occurs when an insect previously sucked the blood of an infected rabbit and then transmits the virus to a healthy one.
Symptoms include:
- swelling of the eyes, lips, nose, genital organs, and anus
- eye inflammation, blindness
- fever, lethargy, loss of appetite
- complications such as pneumonia due to secondary infections
Unfortunately, there is no cure – but the good news is that the vaccine provides strong protection if given on time.
Why is it important to vaccinate your rabbit?
Although some claim that myxomatosis “does not exist here,” that is not true.
The virus circulates, especially in spring and summer – and rabbits that stay outside are particularly at risk.
The only effective way to protect your rabbit is timely vaccination, aligned with the mosquito season.
Vaccination at Darvin Clinics – Novi Sad and Veternik
Every year we organize spring vaccination days against myxomatosis at our clinics in Novi Sad and Veternik.
The vaccine is given in March and April, and protection lasts about 6 months – covering the riskiest period of the year.
Contact us in time so we can put you on the list and notify you about exact vaccination dates.
The vaccine is quick, painless, and the best way to save your rabbit’s life.
Preventive protection – not just the vaccine!
Besides vaccination, every rabbit must have regular monthly protection against fleas and ticks, as they are the main transmitters of the myxomatosis virus.
For rabbits weighing less than 1 kg or younger than 2 months, we use specially adapted preparations.
Prevention must be year-round because mosquitoes and fleas are not only a seasonal problem in summer.
We also recommend regular check-ups and control of teeth, stool, and weight, because rabbits often do not show symptoms until the disease is advanced.
Who should you consult?
If your rabbit shows any signs of illness, loses appetite, has dental problems, breathes with difficulty, or behaves strangely – don’t wait.
In our clinic, all examinations and treatments of rabbits are performed by specialists:
- dr vet. Vladimir Ćurčić
- dr vet. Stefan Papić
Both have many years of experience treating rabbits and rodents, using modern diagnostic and therapeutic protocols.
Prevention is always a better choice than treatment – and for rabbits, this can be the difference between life and death.
To schedule vaccination or examination – call us or visit one of our clinics in Novi Sad or Veternik.
Your rabbit depends on you. We are here to help.