To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate, That Is the Question

Should your beloved pet bunny be vaccinated? If so, which one(s). If not, why?

Amy J.

10/10/20243 min read

white and clear plastic syringe
white and clear plastic syringe

We are frequently asked what vaccines a rabbit should be given. Vaccinating your rabbit (or not) is a hugely personal decision. You have your pet's best interest at heart and want to make the right decision on his/her behalf. Taking a step back, thinking about your lifestyle with your rabbit, doing some research, and having a very frank discussion with your bunny-knowledgeable vet should help you make the right decision.

At Hot Cross Buns we do not have any of the Buns, neither adult nor baby, vaccinated. As they are raised indoors only, there is very limited risk of them contracting any ailment that would be covered by a vaccine. We are also very careful to quarantine any newcomers to the rabbitry for at least two months, which further reduces the possibility of them being exposed to anything contagious.

We advise all of our client families who are planning to give their bunnies outdoor playtime to consider the possibility of their rabbit being exposed to Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease virus 2 (RHDv2). Your veterinarian will be able to help you determine if this vaccine is appropriate for your bunny. It is a series of two injections, given three weeks apart, and is then repeated annually as a booster shot. As RHDv2 has a very high mortality rate, we strongly recommend it for rabbits who could become exposed to it through out-of-doors play and exercise. To learn more about this disease, we encourage you to read this post. https://hotcrossbuns.org/rabbit-hemorrhagic-disease

The other vaccine that may be mentioned by a rabbit veterinarian is called the BunnyVac. (For the record, we have worked with many rabbit veterinarians over the years, none of whom have ever even mentioned the BunnyVac to us, so that makes us wonder how the majority of vets feels about it.) This vaccine fights against a bacteria called Pasteurella. When an infected rabbit becomes symptomatic, it is commonly known as "snuffles." Although we do not have any direct experience with this vaccine, we have been told of anecdotal experiences by other breeders and bunny families. Their view is that it can actually cause more problems by weakening the bunny's natural ability to suppress the Pasteurella bacteria, which all rabbits carry. Yes, every rabbit carries the Pasteurella bacteria naturally, but it is typically suppressed by the rabbit's immune system and rabbits are asymptomatic unless stress or ill-health causes it to become active and overpower the bunny's immune system. Some rabbits can become symptomatic with a cough and runny nose after being vaccinated, which may not clear up within the 24-48 hours indicated on the vaccine manufacturer's website. We recommend discussing the pros and cons of this vaccine with your bunny vet, especially if you show rabbits or if your rabbit is placed in rather stressful situations (traveling, frequent outings near/around other rabbits, therapy rabbits, etc.) which could lead to it having a weakened immune system.

If your rabbit is not around other rabbits of unknown health, and mainly remains happily at home, the BunnyVac against Pasteurella is most likely not needed, but do discuss it with your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns. If you do opt to give your rabbit the BunnyVac, it is a series of two injections, given thirty days apart, with an annual booster shot, thereafter.

Although we've had many, many rabbits in our lives, both as pets and as breeding animals, we have never had a rabbit with active Pasteurella symptoms and pray that we never do. A rabbit with a good diet, high quality hay, plenty of fresh water, interaction, enrichment, and lots of exercise should be a healthy bun with a strong immune system. Eliminating exposure to other rabbits who could carry active disease/illness is your best option for keeping your rabbit healthy. A stressed out rabbit with a poor diet, little attention, and a lack of exercise is very vulnerable to becoming ill, no matter what vaccinations it may have received.

We appreciate all of our readers who provide excellent care and give much love to their beloved bunnies!