Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease - new information for ordering vaccines
On March 2, 2018, it was initially reported that Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) had been identified in the feral rabbit population in the Nanaimo area. Since then RHD has been confirmed in feral rabbits in Delta, Comox, Richmond and Parksville. The strain in BC appears to be highly virulent and easily spread with a short incubation period. It also may infect rabbits less than 30 days of age unlike most other strains. Strict biosecurity is key for the prevention of spread to other rabbits. We encourage you to follow these links to a very thorough Fact Sheet on RHD and a document on Rabbit Biosecurity Protocols.
RHD Statement (April 16, 2018)
There is no vaccine licensed for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease in Canada. The CFIA’s Canadian Centre for Veterinary Biologics has kindly facilitated acquiring an emergency import permit through the office of the Chief Veterinarian for BC, Jane Pritchard, which allows the vaccine to be re-distributed to clinics under the single application. The vaccine, Filavac, is a French vaccine with protection against RHDV2 and RHDV1. To order the vaccine, you must complete this order form electronically (do not print, complete by hand, and scan) and e-mail it to jane.pritchard@gov.bc.ca by June 29th.
Expiry date: June 2019
Estimated cost: $100 for the 50 dose multi-vial that must be used within 2 hours of reconstitution and $200 for the 10 individual dose blister pack. Additional cost for courier direct to your clinic if required will be added on to invoices.
Technical information: This information on the vaccine is in English (it will most likely come with only French labeling and information).
Publicly Available Assessment Report for Filavac
Filavac Package Leaflet
Filavac Summary of Product Characteristics
Template for the vaccination certificate: A certificate must be received by the Chief Veterinarian (as importer of the vaccine) for each use of the vaccine. For large groups of rabbits with a single owner where the vaccine is being administered at a single time you can do one certificate and attach a list of the individual rabbits with identification information.
Certificate of Vaccination with Filavac VHD K C
Delivery is anticipated for the week of July 9th.