Vaccination of rabbits helps animals protect themselves from major diseases. Even an inexperienced farmer can vaccinate animals. To do this, it is not at all necessary to know how to give injections. Today there are special pistols that help you vaccinate yourself. It is important to strictly observe the dosage and adhere to the timing of vaccinations.
Why is vaccination necessary?
The main problem of rabbit breeding is that most diseases of these animals are practically untreatable. Pathologies such as myxomatosis or viral hemorrhagic disease lead to death in almost 100% of cases. In this case, only a few survive. In addition, there is always a threat of the spread of diseases and the development of an epidemic. Therefore, timely vaccinations often help preserve not only the health of animals, but also their lives.
Mandatory vaccinations
It is recommended that rabbits be vaccinated against the following pathologies:
- myxomatosis;
- rabies;
- viral hemorrhagic disease.
Rabbits are more susceptible to these pathologies. However, animals can become infected anywhere. This is possible in the following cases:
- contacts with animals that spread infections - these include rats and mice;
- violation of conditions of detention;
- insect bites.
The threat of infections lies in the fact that when a disease is detected in one rabbit, it quickly affects all the others. It is permissible to do the vaccination yourself. To do this, it is not at all necessary to contact a veterinarian. It is important to take into account that only healthy animals with normal temperature are allowed to vaccinate.
Optional vaccines
Rabbits often suffer from pasteurellosis, salmonellosis, and listeriosis. The decision to vaccinate against these diseases should be made by a doctor. The main symptoms of pasteurellosis include the following:
- increase in temperature;
- lacrimation;
- feverish condition.
Pasteurellosis mainly appears on large farms due to violations of animal care rules. The first injection is given at 1-1.5 months. Then, during the first year of life, you need to perform another 2-3 revaccinations.Subsequently, injections are performed every 6 months.
Key symptoms of salmonellosis include:
- diarrhea;
- intense vomiting;
- loss of appetite.
Animals should be vaccinated against salmonellosis in the same way as against pasteurellosis. In this case, the interval between vaccinations should be at least 14 days. Females are more susceptible to listeriosis. As the pathology develops, they lose their appetite. Weakness and apathy often occur. A comprehensive vaccination helps prevent all three diseases. In this case, the vaccination schedule is selected by the doctor.
At what age are vaccinations recommended for rabbits and how often are they given?
It is permissible to vaccinate only healthy rabbits, starting from 1.5 months. Then the vaccination should be done at intervals of six months. The entire range of vaccinations for meat breeds can be done once a year.
There are 2 vaccination options:
- First scheme. At the same time, complex vaccination is performed. The first vaccination should be done 45 days after birth. This means that rabbits born in September are vaccinated in October-November. The second vaccination is carried out after 3 months. It is prohibited to violate the deadlines, since immunity must be formed and strengthened. Revaccination is carried out every 5-6 months.
- Second scheme. In this case, mono-vaccines against myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease are used in turn. The first vaccination is given at 45 days against VGBV. After 2 weeks, it is recommended to vaccinate rabbits against myxomatosis. The third vaccination is done 3 months later. During this period, rabbits are vaccinated against myxomatosis. The fourth vaccination is given 2 weeks later against VGBV. Then rabbits need to be vaccinated at intervals of six months, alternating vaccines. In this case, a gap of 2 weeks should be observed between vaccinations.
It is strictly forbidden to vaccinate pregnant rabbits.Also, you should not vaccinate lactating females, as this can cause infection of the cubs.
Preparing the animal
Regardless of the type of vaccination, before the procedure it is recommended to follow the following rules:
- the rabbit must be absolutely healthy;
- when performing the manipulation yourself, you must strictly follow the instructions for the medicine;
- It is prohibited to change the dosage of a medication without a doctor’s testimony;
- it is important to strictly adhere to the vaccination schedule, otherwise the animal may become infected;
- before vaccination, it is worth giving the animals a substance against helminths for prevention;
- The first vaccination is permissible only if the animal’s weight exceeds 500 grams;
- the minimum interval between different vaccinations should be 2-3 weeks;
- When carrying out the procedure yourself, it is important to adhere to the rules for storing the medicine.
To avoid adverse reactions to the vaccine, it is recommended to protect rabbits from stress factors and hypothermia, which worsen their immunity.
Self-vaccination at home for beginners
You are allowed to vaccinate yourself. However, it is permissible to inject the drug only after consulting a doctor. Rabbits are usually prescribed 0.5 milliliters of the drug. For decorative or dwarf animals, the dose can be selected individually.
Injections must be given with a sterile syringe. In this case, the injections are performed intramuscularly. They can be done at the hip or withers. The rabbit must first be secured securely. When carrying out the procedure, it is worth using someone’s help. This will make vaccination easier.
It is not recommended to store an open container with the vaccine.The shelf life of the suspension mixed with distilled water does not exceed 3 days.
The first vaccination is carried out at the age of 45 days. If rabbits were born in the fall, the procedure is performed in winter. An important condition is strict adherence to the dosage.
Possible complications
If the procedure is carried out correctly, the animals’ well-being does not change. To cope with stress, they usually need several hours. In some cases, animals suffer from allergic reactions. In this case, the following symptoms occur:
- hyperemia of the mucous membranes;
- skin rashes;
- dyspnea;
- salivation;
- general weakness, fainting.
Signs of allergy usually appear a quarter of an hour after the injection or a little earlier. It is important to introduce antihistamines and drugs that will support the functions of the heart muscle.
Complications of vaccination include the following:
- inflammatory processes are usually of an unexpressed nature;
- traumatic injuries due to improper insertion of the needle - nerves or blood vessels are damaged.
Sometimes the live virus from the vaccine degenerates or mutates. It can also cope with a fragile immune system. In this case, the rabbits become ill with the pathology against which they were vaccinated. To protect rabbits from dangerous diseases, it is necessary to vaccinate in a timely manner. In this case, it is necessary to strictly follow the procedure and adhere to the dosage.
