More and more gardeners, summer residents and farmers are paying attention to raising rabbits in their gardens and summer cottages. Rabbit breeding is not a difficult task, but beginners usually have many questions: what to feed and where to keep rabbits? What and when to vaccinate rabbits? How to preserve and increase the livestock? It’s easy to get answers to these questions yourself, and then breeding rabbits will provide the rabbit breeder with more than just valuable fur. Caring for rabbits is not difficult, but long-eared rodents are delicate animals, and, unfortunately for novice and experienced rabbit breeders, they are susceptible to a number of very dangerous diseases, after which all that remains is to dispose of the dead animals. But everything is not as bad as it might seem at first. Veterinary medicine does not stand still, and an attentive owner will not allow the death of the pet population. And the first assistant in this is vaccination of rabbits.

So, the cages are built, the feeders and drinking bowls are installed, the big-eared inhabitants are cheerfully crunching grass and stalks, and are breeding regularly. And now the question arises: when should rabbits be vaccinated? Should I do it at all?

Why are vaccinations needed?

Rabbits, like any living organism on Earth, tend to get sick. Poor ecology, low-quality feed, outbreaks of epidemics can greatly upset a novice rabbit breeder who has read a business plan on the Internet with the words “Rabbits are not only valuable fur...”. Often, inexperienced breeders invest considerable funds in breeding long-eared animals, trying to provide themselves and their families with this “easily digestible meat.” The most common and dangerous diseases for rabbits are VHD (rabbit viral hemorrhagic disease), rhinitis, coccidiosis, pasteurosis and stomatitis. Vaccinations exist only against some of the diseases; the rabbit breeder will have to take care of preventing the rest. And yet, vaccination of long-eared rodents can reduce the risk of herd mortality by 80%.

Only absolutely healthy animals are vaccinated.

What types of vaccines are there?

Domestic manufacturers of bacterial preparations produce only three types of vaccine for rabbits:

1. Monovaccine (monovalent) for myxomatosis.
2. Monovaccine against VVHD (rabbit viral hemorrhagic disease).
3. Associated vaccine for rabbits against both diseases simultaneously (bivalent).

Monovalent vaccines are usually “stronger,” while associated vaccines are more convenient to use. These vaccines contain dead and weakened pathogens. Once in the rabbit’s body, they are not able to cause any significant harm to it, at most a short-term increase in body temperature and lethargy, but the animal’s body will learn to produce antibodies that can effectively resist healthy pathogens.

When purchasing a vaccine, it is important to remember that its storage temperature is +2 - +4 degrees, so it is best to buy the drug only when you are planning to vaccinate rabbits and only in veterinary pharmacies, where they strictly adhere to necessary conditions storage

Advice and recommendations from experienced (or not so experienced) rabbit breeders are good. But vaccine manufacturers are constantly working on their products, modifying them. And if a neighbor rabbit breeder confidently recommends using a certain vaccine in one way or another, citing the fact that he uses it this way, it is quite possible that the manufacturer has already changed, for example, the age at which vaccination of the animal begins.

Before using the vaccine, be sure to read the instructions and strictly follow all recommendations.

There is no clear opinion about which vaccine is better - mono or associated. Much depends on the experience of the rabbit breeder, the animals and the quality of the food they consume. And not always available veterinary pharmacies have both vaccine options. In any case, rabbits need to be vaccinated, so we vaccinate with what we have.

How many vaccinations do rabbits need?

When you decide to vaccinate your rabbits, pay attention to the recommended schedules. There are developed and empirically tested options for vaccination of rabbits. The two most common vaccination schemes most often used are:

1. The first scheme is that at forty-five days of age, rabbits are vaccinated with an associated vaccine. Then after 60-70 days we repeat to strengthen immunity. And in the future we vaccinate every six months until the logical conclusion in the rabbit’s life.
2. The second scheme is more complicated. It is designed for the use of monovaccines. First, at 45 days, the rabbit is vaccinated against VGKV, as against the most dangerous disease. Two weeks later we vaccinate against myxomatosis. After another 14 days, we re-vaccinate against VGKB to strengthen it. And again after two weeks we fix myxomatosis. In the future, every six months we vaccinate with either an associated vaccine or monovaccines at two-week intervals.

The vaccination schedule must be followed very precisely. Having received one vaccination and missed the next one, prevention will have to start all over again.

Along with good care and proper nutrition Vaccination for rabbits is very important. It will allow you to preserve and increase the growing stock of long-eared animals, please the owners with a good weight gain and excellent skins, which can be used for a variety of purposes.

Video about vaccination of rabbits - pros and cons

Breeding rabbits is rightfully considered a profitable and promising business, however, it has many nuances and details that every beginner and experienced breeder needs to know. The main danger that can negate all the efforts of someone who decides to start a farm is the many diseases that can befall pets.

Since these animals get sick quite often, timely vaccination of rabbits is necessary, which will protect them from various viruses and diseases. This is also true for decorative rabbits.

A rabbit can quickly pick up an infection and infect other animals. In this case, a dangerous epidemic will occur, the result of which could be the death of the entire economy. Only comprehensive vaccination for rabbits will help prevent these sad consequences. If animals are vaccinated on time, their immune system will be able to resist even the most dangerous diseases.

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Vaccination is part of pet care. In this regard, every rabbit breeder, whether experienced or new, should know exactly what vaccinations are available for rabbits and when they should be done so that the animals remain healthy and active throughout the entire period. IN cold winter animals must also be protected.

What do you need to know about vaccination?

Under any conditions: in a cage, pit, aviary, etc. Both individuals bred for economic purposes and decorative pets are susceptible to various diseases. Rabbits that are especially at risk are:

• constantly eat dry grass (hay) or fresh greens;
• are in close proximity to other pets (dogs, hamsters, cats);
• often let out for walks outside;
• live near bodies of water;
• have been bitten by insects.

After the virus has entered the body and the rabbit gets sick, the pathogenic bacteria begins to adapt to the conditions and multiply.

This is why veterinarians note that it is quite difficult to identify the first symptoms of diseases and nip them in the bud.

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The greatest danger to pets is myctomatosis, an acute viral disease, and VGBV. The thing is that scientists have not yet developed drugs and treatments that will help rid the animal of these diseases. In other words, they are currently incurable.

To protect rabbits from such diseases, the only thing in an effective way is vaccination. Its action is aimed at preventing the development of the disease or easing its course if it does occur.

Please note that all pets need to be vaccinated in a timely manner, otherwise an epidemic may begin on the farm and, as a result, mass death of animals.

When and how to vaccinate rabbits?

There are special vaccines for each infection. You just need to know which vaccinations to get. Some diseases are common in one area but absent in another. That is why the composition of vaccines and the methods of their administration are different.

Vaccination is necessary to prevent the development of the following dangerous diseases:

1. Hemorrhagic disease or HBD is extremely dangerous for rabbits. As a rule, from 70 to 100% of pets that catch it die. The disease is dangerous for any rabbit, regardless of age and sex characteristics. This is why it is necessary to vaccinate rabbits against VGBV.
2. Myxomatosis, like VGBV, is considered one of the most dangerous diseases. Its carriers are insects. To protect pets from myxomatosis, vaccinations are given between April and September, that is, in spring and summer. At this time, insects carrying the virus are most active. In this case, an associated vaccine is often used. Note that myxomatosis is not common in all regions. Does everyone need vaccinations in this case? The veterinary service can provide information on which areas are at risk and which are not. Based on this: those living outside the affected area do not need to receive mandatory vaccinations.
3. People usually suffer from rabies. Rabies vaccination is mandatory, especially if the pet will participate in an exhibition.
4. Other diseases. If for economic purposes, then it is better to do vaccinations to prevent diseases such as listeriosis, salmonellosis, paratyphoid fever, pasteurellosis. All of them are also very dangerous for rabbits. And vitamins are also introduced that help protect.

It is allowed to vaccinate rabbits waiting to give birth, but pregnant women must be vaccinated before mating.

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If you need to administer a vaccine to a female who will feed her offspring with milk, then it is better to do this when the rabbits are weaned from their mother and they begin to eat food.

A vaccinated rabbit will be protected from diseases for the next six months. In some cases, when an epidemic has begun on the farm, the vaccination schedule may change.

When to administer the vaccine?

After the female gives birth to cubs, she feeds them herself. When a baby rabbit feeds on mother's milk, antibodies enter the body, which improve the baby's immune system. After the mother stops feeding milk, within a month the baby rabbit’s body must independently learn to resist viruses and infections.

At what age is it best to vaccinate little rabbits? As a rule, cubs begin independent life when they are 1 month old. 0.5–1 month after this, the time comes when vaccinations can be done. In special cases, for example, when the VGBV epidemic began, babies, including meat ones, are vaccinated at 1 month, and after 3 months it is repeated.

An adult rabbit is allowed to receive the vaccine once every 6 months. If we are talking about VGBK, then mandatory injections are given to rabbits only after 9 months. The same schedule is followed when vaccinating pregnant individuals.

How to give injections?

The vaccination schedule depends primarily on the breeder. He must know exactly when the offspring were separated from their mother, as well as which individuals will be sent for slaughter.

All this must be taken into account in order to understand when vaccinations need to be done. As already noted, only an epidemic can make adjustments to the developed scheme. A bivalent vaccine will help make it easier for rabbit breeders to schedule vaccinations. Its action is aimed at protecting the rabbit from myxomatosis and hemorrhagic disease.

These kinds of vaccines, which are complex in nature, are made in spring time. After them, manipulations with conventional monovalent vaccines are possible. They are necessary for individuals who were recently purchased and for female rabbits waiting to give birth.

Once the vaccine for rabbits is administered, its effect will occur only after 2 weeks. Until this point, individuals must be quarantined to exclude the possibility of infection. This is especially true in the summer, since in winter viruses do not multiply and often do not infect animals.

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What are rabbits vaccinated with?

What is included in the vaccine? It is based on live and inactivated (killed) viruses. If your pet is given a live vaccine, then its immune system will be strong and will form much faster.

All drugs that are part of vaccinations are divided into:

• monovalent, which contain 1 virus;
• complex, containing 2 or more viruses.

The introduction of the latter saves the breeder not only time, but also finances. However, it is impossible to say objectively which type of drug is better. Each has its pros and cons.

If a breeder chooses to vaccinate rabbits with monovalent vaccines, he must remember that the interval between vaccinations is at least 2 weeks.

You also need to be careful with the drug and not mix several medications in one syringe. Each drug contains many components that are not always compatible with the constituent elements of another drug. This can lead to deterioration in your pet's health.

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Monovalent vaccination for rabbits

To protect rabbits from VGBV, medications such as Rabbivac, Pestorin, and the vaccine produced by the Pokrovsky plant are used.

Protect animals from dangerous disease monovalent drugs will help myxomatosis:

1. Rabbiwak.
2. drug "B82".
3. Lapimoon Mix.
4. Mixoren.

To ensure that pets are not afraid of pasteurellosis, two main mono-vaccines are used:

• domestic Rabbiwak;
• Czech Pazorin Ol.

Combination vaccines

Today, there are many complex preparations containing 2 or more viruses. They show a quick and targeted effect, so they need to be given to rabbits to prevent VGBK and myxomatosis - the most dangerous diseases that occur in these animals.

Combination vaccines are bivalent vaccines that are initially separated for each virus. To make the vaccine, you need to mix the purchased vials. There is no need to worry that it may cause side effects.

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The components were selected based on tests by biologists, so they have a scientific basis. After all the elements are mixed in the syringe, we vaccinate the pets. What vaccinations are given using combination vaccines? The most popular of these drugs are Lapimun Hemix, Rabbivac-VB, etc.

How to properly prepare a rabbit for an injection?

In order for vaccination of individuals to be successful, the following rules must be followed:

1. The injection is given to individuals who do not have health problems. If a rabbit is sick, then its immunity is weakened. And the administration of the drug can worsen the condition, as a result of which the virus will win.
2. Before vaccination, you should carefully read the instructions for use. Even if the drugs have the same names and differ only in the year of manufacture, they may contain different components. In order not to harm the pet, the breeder must be careful.
3. Dosage is also very important. If you administer the drug more or less than the recommended amount, this will undoubtedly have a negative effect on the rabbit’s body. Of course, immunity from an incorrect dose of medicine will not strengthen, but, on the contrary, will begin to weaken.
4. Vaccinations of rabbits are carried out according to a specially developed plan, which indicates the exact timing and specific actions. It is important to remember that for rabbits vaccination gives results only for a while. After the vaccination wears off, the infection becomes several times more dangerous for rabbits.
5. A few weeks before vaccinations are carried out preventive measures against worms.
6. Before making the first vaccination, you should find out the weight of the individual. It should not exceed 0.5 kg.
7. Vaccines should only be purchased from trusted places. If the animal pharmacy is licensed to sell medicines, then you can buy drugs there. Immediately before purchasing, it is important to find out the expiration date so as not to buy an expired product.
8. Rabbits should be vaccinated by an experienced veterinarian. After the procedure, he is required to make a note about the vaccination in a special passport. Please note that this document is given at the time of purchase of the rabbit.

How to vaccinate yourself?

Does the breeder need to get vaccinated or is it better to go to a veterinarian? Certainly, the best option You can get help from a professional, but you can vaccinate yourself. If the rabbit breeder does not have experience in this matter, then you should seek help from someone who knows exactly how to vaccinate correctly.

When calling a veterinarian or an experienced breeder is impossible, the farm is vaccinated independently. For the procedure to take place without negative consequences, the following recommendations must be followed:

1. The instructions included with each drug must be read and carefully reviewed. It should contain information about doses and how and when to use the drug.
2. You need to know that there are different vaccines according to the method of administration: subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal. Where can the injection be given? This may be the femur, parotid part or withers. To inject the drug into the area located at the ear, take instruments without needles.
3. It is important to pay attention to the temperature of the room where vaccinations are performed. It should be no more than 28 degrees. Otherwise, the virus contained in the vaccine may harm the rabbit's health.
4. Rabbits can only be vaccinated with those drugs that have been stored in the right conditions. The temperature in the container where the injection is placed should vary from 2 to 8 degrees. Before or after using the vaccine, under no circumstances should the medicine be frozen.
5. The vaccine can be sold in dry form. In this case, 3 hours before the time of vaccination, it is diluted in distilled water. If you exceed this time, the medicine will not bring any benefit to the rabbit’s body.

Complications from vaccinations for domestic rabbits

After vaccinations are given to rabbits, the following side effects may occur:

• increased work of the salivary glands;
• lethargy, weakness;
• problems with the respiratory system;
• allergies and skin rashes;
• redness of the mucous membranes.

All this can appear after vaccination within 15 minutes. In order for the above symptoms in rabbits to go away, it is introduced antihistamine. The optimal dosage is 0.2–0.3 cubes. This remedy should relieve all unpleasant symptoms. If this does not happen, you should immediately seek help from a veterinarian.

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In order for vaccinating rabbits at home to be successful for novice breeders, you must be careful and follow the instructions exactly. Only in this case will it be possible to vaccinate correctly and thereby protect the farm from the epidemic and mass death.

Vaccinations for decorative rabbits also need to be done wisely: choose the right dosage, time when the drug will be administered, etc. The quality of the drugs plays a special role. The vaccine must be purchased from a certified store that sells only high-quality medicines. Injections are given to rabbits very carefully and carefully.

Please note that vaccination must be done on time and correctly. Otherwise, you can harm your pet's health. To get a positive effect, you should know what and when vaccinations to take. Purchasing medications is not cheap, but it is necessary.

Each vaccine, designed for 1 rabbit, costs about 800 rubles. However, vaccinations for rabbits at home will protect them from many dangerous diseases. If the rabbits are healthy and active, they will be able to produce high-quality offspring, the sale of which will bring the breeder a good income.

Rabbit breeding is an interesting activity, but quite troublesome. Unfortunately, already sick rabbits are practically untreatable, which ultimately leads to death. All rabbits must be vaccinated, regardless of breed or living conditions. The same vaccinations are given to both decorative pets and outdoor animals. Common walks outside, insect bites and feeding on fresh grass can lead to dangerous diseases.

The mandatory vaccination plan includes vaccinations against myxomatosis, rabbit viral hemorrhagic disease (RVHD), and rabies. These are the most common diseases in these animals. You can become infected with them anywhere: through contact with carriers (mice and rats), from flea and mosquito bites, and when using dirty equipment. The danger is that if at least one rabbit out of the entire population gets sick, then very soon all the animals will die.

It is necessary to vaccinate rabbits of both decorative and meat breeds.

Attention. Vaccination is not carried out if the animal is weakened after illness or transportation, is exhausted, or is not gaining weight well.

So, when is the first vaccination given? Little rabbits develop immunity during the period of feeding with mother's milk. It will remain for another month after the babies are weaned from the rabbit. During this time, the rabbits need to develop their own defenses in the body. Therefore, they are given the first vaccination at the age of 1.5-2 months, when they reach a weight of 500 grams. In epidemiologically disadvantaged regions, it is better to give the first injection a month after birth and repeat it after 3 months. Adult animals are vaccinated at least 2 times a year.

Two weeks before vaccination, deworming must be carried out. The rabbit must be absolutely healthy, with a body temperature between 38.5-39.5 degrees. It is worth paying attention to the color of urine and feces, general condition, coat color, discharge from the eyes and nose.

The vaccination scheme and schedule are developed by the owner himself. This takes into account the timing of the evacuation of small rabbits from their mother, the age at which the animal is allowed to be slaughtered, etc. The scheme is adjusted due to the emergence of epidemic sources in the region.

Adult animals are vaccinated at least 2 times a year.

It will be more convenient for novice rabbit breeders to use a complex vaccine (against myxomatosis and VGBV). It is usually used in the spring, and then, as necessary, grafted with monovalent drugs. It is advisable to inject monovaccines into rabbits immediately after purchasing them. After vaccination, the animals are quarantined for two weeks. IN winter period vaccination is not carried out.

Myxomatosis is extremely dangerous infectious disease. This virus was developed in France more than 100 years ago to control the growing population of wild rabbits. But the disease mutated and instantly spread to domestic animals. Transmitted by airborne droplets and insect bites.

The first signs of infection are:

• purulent conjunctivitis;
• fever:
• swelling;
• apathy;
• tumor nodes on the body.

All sick animals die within 2 days from the moment of infection. The only way to avoid the disease is vaccination with Rabbivac V.

When is the best time to get vaccinated:

• the first time it is carried out at 4 weeks of age (preferably in the spring);
• it is recommended to do the second one a month later;
• the third time - six months later (in the fall).

The first time rabbits are vaccinated against myxomatosis is at 4 weeks.

In the future, rabbits are vaccinated 2 times a year - in early spring and autumn.

Vaccination against VGBK

Rabbit viral hemorrhagic disease (distemper) is considered one of the most terrible infections. It is transmitted through the feces of infected animals and even through soil. The incubation period of the disease lasts from 1 to 3 days.

Symptoms of the disease:

• loss of appetite;
• drowsiness and apathy;
• convulsions;
• nervous system disorders;
• moans.

The disease causes congestion in the lungs and liver, extensive hemorrhages. After a few days, the sick animal dies. There is no cure for VGBV. Only timely vaccination can help.

The first VGBV vaccination is administered to a rabbit at the age of 1.5 months. If an injection for myxomatosis was previously given, then it is necessary to maintain an interval between them of two weeks. The next dose of the drug is administered after three months. Next - six months later. If the rabbits still died a few days after vaccination, it means they were already infected with the virus.

The first VGBV vaccination is administered to a rabbit at the age of 1.5 months.

Rabies vaccination

Rabies is practically never found among rabbits. However, if a rabbit is attacked by a sick animal, it will die within a week. The virus enters the bloodstream through bites and saliva.

The first signs of the disease are:

• changes in behavior;
• profuse drooling;
• refusal of water.

Only decorative pets that often travel with their owner on an airplane or train are vaccinated against rabies. The vaccine is common to all pets. The first injection is carried out at the age of 2-2.5 months. In the future – once a year. If you plan to take the rabbit somewhere, then vaccination is done a month before the trip.

Complex vaccination

The most common complex vaccination is myxomatosis + VGBK. The vaccine is associated, i.e. one package contains 2 bottles of medicine that must be mixed before use. Rabbits need to be pricked 1.5 months after birth. The drug can be administered subcutaneously, intradermally and intramuscularly. After three months, revaccination is carried out. It is possible to vaccinate pregnant rabbits with a complex vaccine, but it is not worthwhile to vaccinate nursing rabbits.

The most common complex vaccination is myxomatosis + VGBK.

Optional vaccines

Rabbits are often infected with pasteurellosis, salmonellosis (paratyphoid) and listeriosis. It is up to the veterinarian to decide whether to vaccinate against these diseases.

Symptoms of pasteurellosis:

• fever;
• lacrimation;
• a sharp increase in temperature.

Pasteurellosis is more common in large farms, with insufficient good care for animals. The first injection is given at the age of 1-1.5 months. In the first year of life, 2 or 3 more revaccinations are carried out. Further, it is recommended to prick rabbits every six months.

Signs of salmonellosis:

• diarrhea;
• severe vomiting;
• refusal to eat.

Vaccination is done according to the same scheme as for pasteurellosis, with a difference between them of at least 2 weeks.

Listeriosis primarily affects females. They stop eating, become lethargic and apathetic. A complex vaccination can be used against all three diseases. A vaccination schedule can be developed by a doctor.

It is not advisable to vaccinate pregnant females. If such a need arises, it is better to get vaccinated against short term, long before giving birth. Lactating females should absolutely not be vaccinated.

It is not recommended to vaccinate pregnant and lactating females.

It is known that immunity in rabbits is developed by consuming mother's milk. Therefore, it is better to wait a little and vaccinate already stronger babies. To avoid unpleasant consequences, it is better to vaccinate females one and a half weeks before mating. In this case, the body will have time to form antibodies to the disease.

How to vaccinate yourself

Before administering the drug at home, you need to purchase the medicine, carefully study the instructions, and prepare a special insulin syringe. Most vaccines are made in the form of dry mixtures that are diluted with distilled water. The prepared liquid cannot be stored for longer than three hours. The injection is made intramuscularly, into the thigh, after first securing the rabbit well. One dose of the medicine is 0.5 ml.

15 minutes after the vaccine is administered, the following symptoms may appear:

• weakness;
• redness and swelling of the mucous membranes;
• skin rashes;
• salivation;
• dyspnea.

These are signs of an allergic reaction. You can administer an antihistamine, no more than 0.3 cc. If symptoms persist after this, you should consult a doctor.

The vaccine is administered intramuscularly to the rabbit, and the animal must be held tightly.

When vaccination is useless

There are several reasons when the vaccine does not have the required effect:

• the rabbit was infected even before the vaccination was administered;
• the vaccination schedule was not followed;
• no preliminary deworming of the animal was carried out;
• an expired drug was administered;
• The vaccine was given to a sick or weakened rabbit.

The vaccination will take place without complications and will give the desired effect if you strictly adhere to the vaccination schedule, use freshly prepared preparations and inject only healthy animals.

We offer you to watch a visual video instruction on how to properly vaccinate rabbits.

Let's talk about the profile!

Universal vaccination will help avoid mass deaths of rabbits during an epidemic!

Dear friend, let's figure out why immunization of rabbits is so important today? Their mass death or even the extinction of the entire herd is not such an exotic thing. So-called rabbit epidemics happen with alarming regularity and completely discourage farmers who are not yet strong enough to continue their work. Statistics show that no more than a third of enthusiasts who start breeding these animals become real rabbit breeders. And such refusals can be understood. Having read literature or articles on the Internet about the colossal benefits and the opportunity to get rich from rabbits, they invest certain funds, and instead of profit they get a complete collapse. It happens that even an experienced farmer falls under the untwisted flywheel of an epidemic. In addition, for recent years and even decades, there has been a tendency for various diseases to become more frequent, which is directly related to the deterioration of the environment. In this article I want to talk about possible reasons mass death of rabbits, what can and should be done to avoid unpleasant consequences.

Quick search:

What do rabbits die from?

Like any animal on earth, a rabbit is constantly exposed to attacks from various harmful viruses and bacteria, which under certain conditions can penetrate the animal’s body. They are carried by various insects (flies, mosquitoes, fleas), rodents (mice, rats), enter the gastrointestinal tract with food, are transmitted by airborne droplets from one rabbit to another, from mother to cubs, and also through the hands of the rabbit breeder and cellular equipment. Without encountering counteraction, viruses multiply massively in the rabbit’s body and cause disturbances at the cellular level, which in turn leads to functional failures of various organs and the whole organism as a whole.

MOST OFTEN rabbits suffer from VHD (viral hemorrhagic disease of rabbits), myxomatosis, rhinitis, coccidiosis, stomatitis, pasteurellosis. And this is not a complete list of possible diseases.

Natural or active immunity of the rabbit.

Nature arranged it this way. that already at the beginning of their lives, rabbits have sufficient immunity to resist most diseases and suffer from them very rarely. Studies have shown that rabbits fed their mother's milk receive effective protection, which helps the still fragile organism to survive in the face of constant attacks from invisible enemies. But this protection is short-term and acts only during the period of the baby rabbit’s absorption of milk, and even for a month after that. It is not for nothing that in his methodology Professor I.N. Mikhailov recommends weaning rabbits from their mother’s nipples at three months of age.

Vaccinations for rabbits.

It is believed that on average, baby rabbits are weaned from their mother at about one month of age. This means that by two months their active immunity will no longer be effective and they will need to take the first injections. The vast majority of rabbit breeders regularly vaccinate their pets.

The most common vaccination is against VGBV (the so-called hemorrhagic disease). In the instructions for use of the vaccine you will find a detailed description and procedure for use. I will only say that during the epidemic, healthy rabbits can be given injections as early as one month of age. If there is no epidemic, then, as a rule, the first vaccination is given at the age of one and a half months, that is, when natural immunity is coming to an end, but has not yet ended. Vaccinated or passive immunity lasts much longer, which means that after this period it will be necessary to extend it with a vaccine.

ROUTINE VACCINATION necessary, since the antibodies produced in the body gradually die. At a certain point, their number will become critically small to resist viruses and the rabbit’s life will be in danger. As a rule, rabbits are vaccinated every six months. Unscheduled vaccinations are also allowed, for example, before a massive outbreak of mosquitoes.

What else do you need to know?

Unfortunately, it is impossible to vaccinate against absolutely all diseases. In addition to vaccinations, it is necessary to follow the main rules for keeping animals, regularly clean cages (worms, coccidia), periodically and after illnesses carry out disinfection, and apply quarantine to new animals. Fight against rodents. Big role has proper feeding of rabbits, including in the diet feeds that increase resistance to microbes (wormwood, onions, garlic, sprouted grains, vitamin supplements, etc.). To make the herd healthier and better able to withstand all kinds of misfortunes, carry out selection work, improve your herd.

That's not all!!!

In addition to all of the above, there are other opportunities to increase the immunity of rabbits, and therefore reduce the risk of possible diseases and even death of your herd. This is a separate and rather large topic, which I will focus on in the next article.

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Many owners personal plots would like to know aboutIs it profitable or not to raise rabbits?These animals are known to reproduce very quickly. In addition, their meat is quite expensive. Therefore, the business of breeding them can actually become quite profitable. However, it will be possible, of course, to receive a stable, good income from a rabbit farm only if the animals are properly cared for.

Rabbits reproduce quickly, but they also die from various diseases very often. Therefore, one of the conditions for the success of the business of breeding these animals is vaccination.What and when vaccinations for rabbitsIt’s definitely worth doing - we’ll talk about this later.

Most common diseases

Even with strict adherence to maintenance technology, these furry animals can become infected with a variety of infections. But still the most common diseasesrabbits are myxomatosis and VGBK. VaccinationsIt is precisely these two infections that animals should be treated for. Both myxomatosis and VGB are actually very dangerous diseases. If even one animal in a herd becomes infected, the farmer may soon lose his entire livestock. Unfortunately, neither myxomatosis nor viral infection can be cured.

The need for vaccination

Some farmers living in remote areas and not keeping too manyanimals, believevaccinations against myxomatosis and VGBV for rabbitsprocedure is completely optional. And absolutely in vain. Unfortunately, remoteness and the absence of other rabbit farms nearby do not guarantee the safety of animals. Hemorrhagic fever is often brought into the farm by the owner or staff. The virus of this disease is capable for a long time remain viable in air.

In some cases, it is also carried by the wind. Also, very often, rabbits become infected with VGBV through food purchased from private traders or even from an enterprise.In this case, it usually develops includingAn inexperienced farmer may attribute this symptom to poor quality crushing. However, diarrhea, unfortunately, is one of the main signs of hemorrhagic fever.

Myxomatosis virusalso quite resistant to external environment. Besidesit is very easily tolerated blood-sucking insects. So in this case, there is no guarantee of maintaining the health of rabbits on a remote farm.Therefore, the only way to protect animals from death due to infection is vaccination.

Dates

Most often, unfortunately, young animals in the herd get sick. That's whyVaccination of rabbits against myxomatosis or VGBVmust be carried out toas soon as possible. Very small suckling animals rarely get sick. The fact is that rabbit milk contains special substances that strengthen and greatly support the immunity of the young. However, when transferring young animals to self-feeding, the risk of contracting them with myxomatosis or VGBV is very high.. Such animals can quickly contract an infection and die.

Dovaccinationrabbits from myxomatosis and VGBimmediately after they are torn away from the rabbit, however, unfortunately, it is impossible. The farmer should definitely wait some time. The baby rabbits' body must adapt to new types of food and develop its own defense mechanisms against infections.

It is believed that young animals should be vaccinated against myxomatosis and VGBV for the first time at the age of 48 days. For reliability, veterinarians usually repeat the procedure after three months. In the future, rabbits should be vaccinated against these two dangerous diseases every six months -year depending on the type of drug used.

What types of vaccines are there?

On farms, three main types of drugs are used for vaccination of rabbits:

tissue inactivated aluminum hydroxide vaccine;

dry live culture from strain B-82;

associated.

First viewdrugused only against VGBV. Dry medicinefrom strain B-82 is used to prevent the development of myxomatosis in rabbits.Associated vaccineis most popular among farmers. With its use, it is possible to protect animals simultaneously from myxomatosis and VGBV.

Tissue inactivated vaccine against VGBV: description and composition

This drug is a colorless (or pink) suspension with a loose sediment. It is produced in ready-to-use form in bottles of 20, 40, 100 or 400 doses. When used in rabbits, immunity to hemorrhagic fever is developed approximately on the third day after injection. Stability is maintained subsequently for 12 months.

The inactivated tissue vaccine can be used for rabbits from the age of 1.5 months. This drug is administered intramuscularly in a volume of 0.5 cm3. The injection is supposed to be given in the area of ​​the middle third of the thigh. The vaccine injection site must first be disinfected using 70% alcohol. In this case, reusable syringes for vaccination can be used. However, a new needle must be taken for each animal.

This drug should not be used simultaneously with vaccination against myxomatosis. If rabbits have already been vaccinated against this disease, it is recommended to wait two weeks. Vaccination against myxomatosis is allowed no earlier than 10 days after injection with an inactivated vaccine.

This drug usually does not cause side effects. The only thing isanimalsAppetite may decrease.Symptoms such asa depressed or, conversely, too active state should not be observed. And the appetite of vaccinated animals is usually restored on the second day.

Dry culture vaccine against myxomatosis

This drug is also used quite often for vaccinations in rabbit farms. The advantage of the cultured vaccine with strain B-82, among other things, is that it can be used for animals from the age of 28 days. This becomes especially relevant in summer period- in the presence of a large number of blood-sucking insects.

This preparation is a porous dry mass of yellowish color. It is made from the attenuated strain B-82. The product can be used at any time of the year. For vaccination, the powder is diluted with a solvent in a 1:1 ratio. Most often, the injection is given intramuscularly. However, in some cases it can also be usedinsidecutaneous administration (with ear puncture using an injector).

Immunity to myxomatosis in animals develops on the 9th day after the injection. It is subsequently stored for nine months.

Associated vaccine: release form and composition

It is this drug that is most popular on farms, as already mentioned.With the use of this vaccine you candorabbits are vaccinated against both myxomatosis and VGBV at the same time. This product is a dry porous mass, packaged in bottles with a volume of 10-20 cm3. Each container can be designed for 5-120 doses.

This vaccine is produced based on the B-87 VGBV and B-82 myxoma strains. When performing vaccination, the powder is diluted with saline solution.

How to use it correctly

A veterinarian usually vaccinates rabbits using an associated vaccine. But if necessary, you can carry out this procedure yourself. Instead of saline solution, distilled water can be used.Dosage for vaccination against myxomatosis and VGBV for rabbitsis usually0.5 cm 3.The injection is given in 1/3 of the thigh.You can also use the intradermal injection method (into the ear or sub-caudal mirror).

The injection site must be wiped with alcohol. In this case, it is allowed to use one needle on several animals. This vaccine can be stored for no more than 18 months. dark place. Once opened, it should be used within a week at most.Immunity in rabbits develops on the third day of using this vaccine. It is subsequently stored for 12 months.

Vaccination rules

Vaccinations against myxomatosis and VGBV, therefore, are an absolutely necessary procedure. However, it is not always possible to vaccinate rabbits on the farm. As already mentioned, vaccinations are not given to animals that are too young. It is also prohibited to vaccinate rabbits that have had the disease or are weakened. Animals that have been found to have worms are not allowed to be vaccinated. In this case, it is necessary to carry out deworming first.

The medicinal properties of the vaccines discussed above do not differ. And therefore, after the vaccination done already in incubation period development of the disease, the animal will most likely die anyway.

In any case, when vaccinating rabbits against myxomatosis and VGBV, dosagemust be followed exactly. Too much of the drug should not be used. A small dose will not give any result.