An associated, or single-component, vaccine for rabbits against MCM and VGBV is a drug that helps prevent outbreaks of dangerous diseases. It is impossible to protect animals from infections and viruses. Even insects can infect rabbits. Having received the vaccine, animals immediately become resistant to a particular virus. Vaccination is carried out no more than once every six months.
Why is it used for myxomatosis?
A disease such as myxomatosis is viral and can lead to the death of not just one rabbit, but the entire population. The fatality rate is more than 70 percent. Sick animals can be cured if you start fighting the virus at the initial stage. It is best to prevent the development of the disease and get vaccinated. There is no other method to save yourself from the virus.
A dangerous pathogen is transmitted by blood-sucking insects, as well as through food or grass contaminated by rodents. Outbreaks of diseases are recorded in the spring and summer. A sick animal develops purulent exudate from the eyes and watery eyes, and red bumps and nodules form on the head and ears. The meat of an infected animal is impossible to eat; it is riddled with new growths that cause disgust.
The only salvation from myxomatosis is mandatory vaccination. Thanks to vaccination, the rabbit develops a strong immunity to the virus that lasts for a long time. Only healthy animals are vaccinated; sick animals are treated or sent to slaughter.
Important! After vaccination, rabbits will not get myxomatosis even if infected or will survive the disease without complications. Immunity to the virus is formed within 3-7 days after vaccination. In the first weeks after the injection, domestic rabbits will suffer from a mild form of myxomatosis.
At what age do they spend it?
The recommended period for vaccination is 28-45 days from birth. Animals are usually vaccinated in the spring. You can give the injection yourself or take your rabbits to a veterinary hospital. It is necessary to pay attention to the weight of the pet. Rabbits that have gained more than 500 grams of live weight are vaccinated.
Vaccination frequency
Rabbits are usually vaccinated against two dangerous diseases: myxomatosis (MM) and viral hemorrhagic disease (VHD). Vaccinations against different strains are done alternately or simultaneously. Accordingly, there are mono vaccines (for one virus) and associated ones (for MKM + VGBV).
Associated vaccination scheme:
- for the first time - at 45 days;
- repeat - after 2-3 months;
- revaccination - every 5-6 months until the end of life.
Mono-vaccination scheme:
- at 28-45 days the first vaccination against VGBV is given;
- after 14 days - vaccination against myxomatosis;
- after another 14 days - vaccination against VGBV is secured;
- after another 14 days, the vaccination against myxomatosis is secured.
Repeat the fractional vaccination scheme - after 2-3 months. Revaccination with a monovaccine - every 6 months (according to the 14 after 14 schedule). You should always start with vaccination against VGBV, since this is a more dangerous disease.
Important! If there is no epidemic outbreak in the area where rabbits live, then associated vaccination is carried out once. The weight of the animal must be at least 0.5 kilograms.
Types of vaccines
There are three types of vaccines: single-component, complex and associated. There are different opinions about which one is better. Usually they buy the vaccine that is available in the pharmacy. Vaccination preparations must be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of +2...+4 degrees.
Types of vaccines:
- single-component for viral hemorrhagic disease;
- single-component for myxomatosis;
- associated (from VGBK + MKM);
- complex (from VGBK and MKM).
The associated one is made from strains of two viruses. The drug itself is a porous dry substance. The light brown powder is found in small glass ampoules or bottles of varying capacities.To carry out vaccination, you also need to purchase a solvent (sodium chlorine solution or water for injection), disposable syringes, cotton wool and alcohol for disinfection. One ampoule or bottle is enough to vaccinate several individuals. The drug is called: VGBV + MKM associated vaccine.
The monovaccine for myxomatosis is also a dry powder that is sold in ampoules or vials. The substance is diluted with a solvent before injecting the animal. Types of drugs: Myxomatosis Pokrov, Lapimun against myxomatosis.
The monovaccine against VGBV is a colorless suspension, ready for use. Common types: VGBK Pokrov, Lapimun against hemorrhagic disease of rabbits, Pestorin. A complex vaccine is a package that contains single-component drugs against MCM and VGBV. One box contains two ampoules with vaccines against two different diseases.
Vaccination with each agent is carried out alternately or simultaneously (depending on the type and instructions). Mixing different drugs is prohibited.
Rules for vaccinating yourself
How to vaccinate correctly is written in the instructions for use for each vaccine. The fact is that the drugs have different packaging and different shapes. There is no universal instruction. Vaccination is done in three ways: subcutaneously, intradermally, intramuscularly. The injection site must be disinfected with an alcohol solution. The vaccine is administered orally with a sterile disposable syringe. Each method and drug has its own dosage. True, there are several general rules that it is advisable to remember before you dare to vaccinate yourself (without the help of a doctor).
How to do vaccinations for domestic rabbits:
- vaccinate exclusively healthy animals;
- The rabbit's body temperature should be 38.5-39.5 degrees;
- carry out antiparasitic measures before vaccination;
- Vaccination is prohibited in the heat (above +28 degrees);
- 10 days before vaccination, coccidiostats are added to the feed;
- the vaccine, which is a dry powder, is dissolved with a solvent;
- vaccine - liquid suspension - ready for use;
- one small ampoule usually contains at least 10 doses (the contents are enough for several rabbits);
- dosage of the dissolved drug for 1 animal - 0.2...0.5 ml (depending on the type of vaccine and method of vaccination);
- dosage of the fully prepared drug for 1 rabbit - 0.5...1.0 ml (depending on the type of drug and the injection site);
- the vaccine is given intramuscularly or subcutaneously in the thigh area;
- An intradermal injection is given in the ear or under the tail.
The easiest way is to call a veterinarian at home or take the rabbit to the clinic. If this is not possible, you can inject the animal yourself. Vaccines are purchased at a pharmacy. There or at the veterinary clinic you can ask how to vaccinate your pet yourself.
Contraindications and side effects
Before you get vaccinated, you need to remember that a vaccine is not a cure for a disease, but a means of preventing it. The animal's condition may deteriorate over time, so only healthy rabbits are vaccinated.
Single vaccines are stronger than associated drugs. Single-component medications for different strains are recommended to be administered in stages. It is contraindicated to mix the drugs with each other. Animals are dewormed 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after vaccination.
There are several nuances to keep in mind. First of all, it is recommended to pay attention to the quality of the vaccine.It is prohibited to buy drugs in markets. After all, the vaccine must be constantly stored in the refrigerator and even transported in a thermal container. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it is advisable to carefully examine the ampoule before purchasing. Pay attention to the expiration date, the integrity of the packaging and the condition of the powder (is there any mold). It is recommended to store the purchased vaccine at home in the refrigerator. The dry powder is diluted only before the injection.
There are a number of rules that are recommended to be followed after vaccination. Vaccinated animals require special care and feeding. Quarantine must last 14 days after vaccination.
How to care for rabbits after vaccination:
- do not bathe;
- ensure normal temperature conditions;
- do not change the feed, but add vitamin supplements;
- do not move animals;
- Do not treat against parasites.
Important! Usually one bottle of the drug is enough to vaccinate several animals. The opened ampoule is stored in the refrigerator, but not more than 7 days.
Can this be done for pregnant rabbits?
Many domestic associated vaccines can be administered even to pregnant animals. Most of these drugs are completely safe. Vaccine manufacturers usually indicate in the instructions whether pregnant rabbits can be vaccinated or not. Before the injection, it is advisable to carefully study the recommendations.
It is best to vaccinate first and mate after 3 weeks. In this case, 100% healthy offspring will be born with already developed immunity to the virus.
Does vaccination always help?
Veterinarians do not guarantee that vaccination will 100 percent protect rabbits from viruses. Sometimes even the vaccine itself can cause illness.True, this only happens to weakened and thin rabbits. Most vaccines do not pose a threat to the health of the animal. However, everything depends not so much on the drug, but on the reaction of the rabbit’s body to the vaccination. The vaccine is worst tolerated by old animals affected by helminths.
Vaccination of rabbits is carried out with monovalent and bivalent preparations. Single-component vaccines are stronger. Sometimes such drugs can cause deterioration in the health of animals. Vaccination with the monovaccine is recommended only for young and healthy rabbits.
Associated vaccines are more gentle. The animal receives a smaller dose of each strain. Such vaccinations are recommended for old or pregnant rabbits. The likelihood of complications or illness is minimal.
