https://www.facebook.com/180700858638273/

Batavia Rabbitry, Geraldton (2026)

28/10/2022

Updated as at 12.12.2022

Hello everybun 👋

Feel free to share.

We’ve recently had a fair few enquires about the efficacy of the Filavac vaccine on the Australian Strains of RHDV2.

I’ve reached out to officials in the area and have popped some information below for you. If you ever have a question you’d like an answer to, feel free to pm us, if it’s something we can’t answer, we’ll certainly find out.

🐇Will it work?

(Information provided by AVA & FILAVIE)

Filavac VHD K C + V is an inactivated bivalent vaccine for rabbits against RHDV (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus) types 1 and 2, and has just been licenced for use in Australia.

From the manufacturer: ‘FILAVIE has performed a genetic comparison of the nucleotide sequence of the RHDV2 strain included in the vaccine FILAVAC VHD C+V K and the that of the RHDV2 strains circulating in Australia, investigating the degree of identity of the VP60 gene sequence (responsible for immunogenicity) of the above strains.

A very high percentage of nucleotide identity appears between this the vaccine strain and the RHDV2 strains (96%) detected in Australia, confirming that the strains belong to the same variant and that the structures of their VP60 are very close from a genetic point of view.

This clearly demonstrates that the vaccine will help protect against the RHDV2 Australian strain.

The report of this genetic comparison was reviewed and approved by APVMA, as part of the regulatory dossier to authorize the use of the vaccine in Australia (more particularly as a scientific justification in support of the use of overseas product and data in Australia).’

A note from me :

Please note, it is important to remember the vaccine is not 100% effective it was never said that it would be, it is not a cure, however it is our best protection - the vaccine label states: 0.5ml gives a protective dose in at least 90% of the vaccinated animals, so far protection in Australia has been high, with minimal CONFIRMED vaccinated deaths, however yes, there are deaths which are being documented and tested for antibodies. This was always going to happen and is being taken very seriously. Thank you to the CSIRO who is helping in getting factual information on this.

https://www.ava.com.au/library-resources/other-resources/calicivirus-vaccination-of-rabbits/

🐇 Do I vaccinate with Filavac and Cylap?

(Clarification supplied by AVA)

No. It’s one or the other. Not both.

A note from me: It remains clear, Filavac is the one you should be choosing as Cylap has no effect on RHDV2 which is the strain that has emerged as the number 1 killer of rabbits Australia wide.

Please make sure if you want your vet to use Filavac, to confirm this prior to injection as not all vets are up to date and not all specialise in rabbits.

🐇 If I lose rabbits to calicivirus but have vaccinated some as well do I still quarantine?

As a member of a rabbit club in Australia, you are still required to quarantine for 120 days from your last death. Vaccinated or not. Even if the rabbit you lose is vaccinated, it is non negotiable, you must serve out your quarantine period.

If you choose not to test, you are still required to quarantine.

🐇 Do you know of any vaccinated rabbits that have died from the virus?

(Clarification from CSIRO)

Yes. I can confirm, I do check with the CSIRO on a weekly basis and as of today, 12.12.2022 they have two confirmed tests for a Filavac Vaccinated rabbit testing positive to RHDV2. Obviously this can change daily with calicivirus season just starting.

There are also 2 pending deaths which are yet to be tested of recently vaccinated rabbits. (Under 2 weeks post vaccination)

I must stress that I only take into consideration CONFIRMED TESTED deaths.

If you have a death, please make sure you submit it to the CSIRO for testing and report the vaccine you used. This will be beneficial data for Australia to see how effective the vaccine is. Also note please don’t fib on your forms and say they are vaccinated when they are not… they’ll know.

It’s also important to note I am in contact with a few breeders with calicivirus outbreaks with vaccinated and unvaccinated rabbits, thank you to those who have chosen to share their up to date information with me, the more confirmed info received the better understanding Australian rabbit owners can have as a whole.

If you need a test kit, contact WARCI we keep a supply for WA, if you are out of state please contact [email protected] , your local rabbit club or submit a request on feralscan. All avenues maintain your privacy.

If you’ve gotten this far, thank you for reading and if you have any questions, we are always happy to hear them.

Remember all rabbit owners no matter pet, show, pet market or commercial are in the calicivirus fight together.

Thanks 👍🏻

Please note, we are not vets so everything you read above is a recommendation based on our own research only.

27/07/2022

FILIAVAC RHDV2 VACCINE HAS ARRIVED IN AUSTRALIA.

Please be patient and understand that vets will be under alot of pressure during the coming weeks, months. Be kind, be patient and be respectful.

If you haven't already, please contact your vet and request an appointment or to be notified when it’s in stock for the coming weeks and follow your vets guidelines.

This is a momentous week for Australia, something that has been 7 years in the making (7 years too late for many) but it is here.

It is now time to vaccinate.

16/06/2022

BREAKING NEWS!

🐰UPDATE: I understand we are all wanting more information, which we are seeking. However in the meantime, I suggest owners contact their vet and request to be put on a list for when the vaccine becomes available.

This indicates the volume of vaccine required and means you’ll be kept updated. Please be kind to your vets and understand they most certainly have been inundated with calls today (sorry about that) asking when it’s coming.

If they have an email, perhaps considering emailing them instead.

AVPMA has announced an EMERGENCY PERMIT for the vaccine for RHDV2

THATS RIGHT RABBIT OWNERS, WE WILL SOON HAVE ACCESS TO A VACCINE FOR RHDV2.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has approved an emergency permit (PER92219) for a vaccine to protect pet rabbits against the rabbit haemorrhagic disease (calicivirus) virus type 2 strain (RHDV2).

The emergency permit for the Filavac VHD K C+V vaccine is in force until 31 May 2024 and provides for the active immunisation of pet rabbits from 10 weeks of age to reduce mortality rates caused by the RHDV2 and RHDV1 (classical) virus strains.

The manufacturer of Filavac VHD K C+V, FILAVIE, has submitted an application for registration of the vaccine, which is currently under assessment by the APVMA. The vaccine has a current Marketing Authorisation in Europe with an approved onset of immunity of one week and a duration of immunity of one year. Under the conditions of the emergency permit, the vaccine will be supplied in Australia through Ceva Animal Health Pty Ltd.

THIS PERMIT IS IN FORCE FROM 24 MAY 2022 TO 31 MAY 2024
Permit Holder:
FILAVIE
20 La Corbière Roussay
SEVREMOINE 49450 FRANCE

Supplier:
CEVA ANIMAL HEALTH PTY LTD
11 Moores Rd
GLENORIE NSW 2157

Persons who can use the product under this permit:
Registered veterinarians and people under their direction.

THANK YOU TO

Ceva Animal Health for supplying - you legends!
Filavie (Filavac) for producing it - bloody awesome
APVMA for approving it - I know we've had our differences but I'm grateful
And most importantly to every single person who pushed, write letters, emails, shared posts, educated (this was a big one), mourned their losses, protected, was a shoulder to lean on, fought, cared and so much more. You the people are who I am most impressed by. Never give up hope.

Link to announcement below.

https://apvma.gov.au/node/101676

19/11/2021

List as at 01.03.2022

Please note not all tests show on feral scan, this list will be updated as information and results are emailed through.

I just wanted to give a shout-out to the wonderful people who take the time to collate, test the samples and advise results we send through, not only do they do a great job, for free for us, but they are always ready to answer my questions and update us with the most recent suburbs so we can let you all know. Thanks you Csiro testing for the work you do. It’s doesn’t go un noticed.

If you have a confirmed case not listed please email [email protected]

💔Confirmed RHDV2
- Two Rocks (Variant pending)
- Northam (multiple sites in town)
- Kulin West ☠️(East Coast RHDV2 Variant)
- York
- Wundowie
- Baldivis
- Merriwa
- Wanneroo
- Herne Hill
- Narrogin
- Yanchep
- Innaloo
- Karrinyup
- Two Rocks
- Middle Swan
- Shenton Park
- Byford
- Perth C*D
- Geraldton
- Atwell
- Cloverdale (multiple sites)
- Belmont
- Perth Airport
- Kewdale (multiple sites)
- Mt Helena
- Mindarie
- Cooloongup
- Bakers Hill
- Canningvale
- Malaga
- Busselton
- Geraldton (multiples)
- Fremantle

❤️Positive Pending strain

🧡Inconclusive
- Maylands

💛Pending Results
- Banksia Grove
- Bayonet Head

💜No test submitted but possible virus
- Kojonup
- Orelia
- Malaga
- Marangaroo
- Greenwood
- Wanneroo
- Tapping
- Banksia Grove (multiple)
- Merriwa
- Two Rocks
- Karrinyup
- Toodyay
- Mount Nasura
- Butler
- High Wycombe
- Ravenswood
- Stake Hill

💚 Possible myxomatosis
- Guildford
- Henley Brook
- Emu Point (Albany)

💙Test never submitted
- Bruce Rock

03/11/2021

Calicivirus is currently very active within Western Australia, stretching from Geraldton to Albany, in our Northern and Southern suburbs inching closer to the western and eastern suburbs and following the route of great eastern highway through to the Wheatbelt in particular Northam, York and Spencer’s Brook.

The outbreak started mid September and has ramped up throughout October.

Before I go any further I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to those owners of rabbits who had the courage to contact either us - WARCI, their chosen vet or Csiro direct and request testing. We know it’s a hard decision to make but each time you choose to test you add valuable data to the domestic rabbit numbers being affected which further pushes the need for a vaccine.

So I thought we would start by answering the most asked questions we received in our inbox.

💙 How can I protect my rabbit from Calicivirus?
- unfortunately you can’t 100% protect them, you can however do you best to minimise chance of contracting Calicivirus by following the below points. Calicivirus can be carried on shoes, clothes, pets, food, cars, insects etc.
* eliminate insects, insects are one of the main spreaders of rabbit viruses including myxomatosis, fly wire pens, use pest control, plant insect repelling plants. Keep on top of flea control for your rabbit and other pets in the home
* dusk and dawn rule, keep your rabbits in doors during the “prime insect time”
* spray your yard with coopex, this helps to eliminate flies and insects
* keep your rabbit indoors
* remove shoes before entering your home
* keep a bottle of f10 at your door for a quick spray before coming inside
* store hay for a minimum of 3 months, the current hay should be fine as it was harvested prior to the outbreak, new season hay is the worry, but if in doubt check with your stock feeder
* wash vegetables and fruit especially if bought from markets or picked from your garden
* minimise contact with other rabbits, if you do come in contact, remove and wash your clothes before interacting with your own rabbits
* keep your rabbits area clean, this reduces pests and dust particles
* quarantine - if you are bringing a new bun home, quarantine it for a minimum of 7 days before introducing to your current rabbits
* if you park your car in the garage or on lawn your bunny or children play on remember that your car potentially travelled through infected areas…. Give the tyres a spray of F10 or even better give it a wash before coming home.
* other pets, we all know dogs like to explore, eat dead things and roll in the grossest of smells they can find, if you’ve been out walking parks or areas where rabbits are inhabiting, give your dog a bath before entering your home.
* rabbit proof your yard
* don’t take your rabbit for walks in parks, bushland or beaches. The virus is invisible so you can never be sure where it is. Keep them home.

There are heaps more ways to help reduce the risk but basically anything small thing you do now can potentially help save your buns life in the future.

💙 My rabbit is vaccinated so it can’t catch the virus why didn’t those people vaccinate their rabbits to?
- unfortunately the current vaccine (Cylap) only protects against RHDV1 and provides good protection against K5. It gives no protection against RHDV2. We still recommend vaccinating.

💙 How long does it remain in the environment and can I get a new rabbit?
- 3 1/2 months in warm temperatures up to 7 months in mild…. It’s that potent. It’s why we recommend 120 days quarantine before you look at bringing a new bunny home or before you move rabbits from your property. No rabbits in or out.

💙 The vaccine shortage means rabbits must be dieing from V1 and K5 because people can’t vaccinate.
- unfortunately this is also no, the main strain of Calicivirus is RHDV2, the vaccine does not cover this, K5 merely makes a blip on the radar and has been a huge waste of money, it doesn’t tend to spread from the initial release site. But as always, we still recommend vaccinating, some vets do have it available still. It’s is also important to note through warci 40% tested are vaccinated and the other 60% were not. K5 is certainly still possible but let’s let the results tell us that before jumping to conclusions.

💙 My vet confirmed my rabbit died from the virus.
- your vet cannot confirm if your rabbit died from the virus, the only way to confirm this is by a liver sample sent to the CSIRO. If you rabbit does suddenly pass away you can assume Calicivirus and take precautions to minimise spread, it is good practice to disinfect your home/rabbit area when a bunny suddenly passes. But remember, just looking at a rabbit even during an autopsy cannot confirm the virus.

💙 How do I test?
- you can send us a message here or email [email protected] and let us know you want to test, or if you are unsure if you should, let us know what’s happened and we can help guide you. We keep a stick of test kits in Perth for quick access and can provide them to you or to your vet. You will need someone to take a liver sample for you, whether it be a vet (this is at a cost), yourself or if you have a friend without rabbits that is able to. We will give you instructions and guide you through the process. Once the sample is taken, we pop it in a tube, fill in the forms and get it express posted to the CSIRO and update feral scan. Results take from 2 - 3 weeks. You can also request a kit directly from the Csiro however this can take up to 2 weeks due to post delays.

💙 Can people catch it?
- there is no evidence to suggest humans can contract Calicivirus.

💙 is my information private when I test?
- yes, warci do not disclose individual information, your information is seen only by the testing coordinator and the CSIRO. The only public post in relation to your test will be if it comes back positive or if it’s a huge number of deaths, and even so it will only be a post to say the suburb. We do not pin point feral scan tags right on your home, we choose a park or intersection search to ensure your privacy. If you choose to publish your results/status you are welcome to do so.

💙 I breed rabbits for pets or food is this an issue?
- ABSOLUTELY NOT. When it comes to Calicivirus, ALL RABBITS are important. We do not judge of pet owner, back yard breeder, show breeder or commercial industry rabbits are affected, we just want to help and you will revive the same compassion no matter the reason you own rabbits. I feel this one is very very important. Pet rabbits are making up 70% of enquiries right now, so the theory only breeders contract the virus is bull and void.

💙 How can I help?
- you can help us try get a vaccine approved for the whole of Australia by emailing [email protected] and POLITELY asking for an update on the progress of the vaccine for RHDV2, mention you will 100% support the vaccine when it is available and take the opportunity to vaccinate your rabbits. I will post a draft letter for a guide in the comments. It’s important to be polite, any nasty or abusive emails will not be read and actually damages the relationship between domestic pet owners and the AVPMA where the vaccine currently is going through red tape.

If you have any questions, pop them in the comments, I will do my best to get them answered. No question is silly.

We are all in this together and all rabbits are important, let’s do a throw back to the campaign started right here in wa and use the hashtag when sharing this post.

07/07/2020

We’ve had one of our lovely clients send us this notice that has been put up out near White Peak. We thought we’d share to advise our clients.
Any questions about this notice, please contact the number on the form. Thank you 🐰

18/03/2019

This Sunday: the results of the K5 virus release are in... and they might surprise you. 🤔

Scientists are trying to reduce rabbit numbers, as they cause an estimated $200 million damage to Australian agriculture each year and impact 321 nationally threatened animal species.

So we want to know from you:

Batavia Rabbitry

28/10/2022

27/07/2022

16/06/2022

19/11/2021

03/11/2021

07/07/2020

18/03/2019

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request