House Rabbit Society enthusiastically welcomes news of Medgene Labs’ innovative, U.S.-produced, recombinant vaccine being granted Emergency Use Authorization by the USDA to protect U.S. rabbits from Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type-2 (RHDV2).
Many rabbit guardians have worried about keeping their bunnies safe since RHDV2 cases started in early 2020 and as the virus continues to spread rapidly across Southwestern and Western states. Recent RHDV2 confirmations in domestic rabbits in Georgia, Mississippi, and Minnesota show that this disease continues to be an ongoing threat to our wild and pet rabbits.
We anticipate that soon, rabbit guardians can contact their local veterinarian with any questions about the vaccine availability and cost, and all other information regarding vaccination protocol. Once this vaccine is available, importation of the currently used European vaccines will cease completely. Visit medgenelabs.com/rhdv2 for the most up-to-date information and a useful FAQ about their vaccine.
Those who love rabbits can breathe easier knowing Medgene’s new vaccine is ready and will be available to protect our rabbits over the coming months — and because it is a recombinant vaccine, it doesn’t need rabbits to make it!
We look forward to a brighter, safer future for all companion rabbits thanks to the Medgene RHDV2 vaccine. We continue to strongly recommend rabbit guardians vaccinate their rabbits where the vaccine is available and to take biosecurity precautions. Visit rabbit.org/rhdv to learn more about what you can do to help keep your rabbit safe.