Rabbit Vaccination Schedule
Rabbit vaccination schedule for myxomatosis and RHD1/RHD2 — when to vaccinate, and why the answer depends on your region.
| Age | Vaccines / care |
|---|---|
| 5-8 weeks (where RHDV2 risk) | First vaccination against RHD (RHDV1/RHDV2) where licensed and risk exists |
| 10-12 weeks | Booster of the RHD vaccine series |
| Annual | Myxomatosis + RHD boosters where these diseases are present |
| Any age (rescue) | Catch-up series as recommended by an exotic-pet veterinarian |
Why region matters
- Myxomatosis and RHDV are fatal and occur in parts of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and increasingly the US.
- In many US regions rabbit vaccines are not routinely used — ask about local disease prevalence.
- No rabies vaccine exists for rabbits; prevention is indoor housing and avoiding wildlife contact.
Based on exotic-pet veterinary guidance (rabbit.org and regional authorities). Reviewed 2026.
Informational only — always follow your veterinarian's recommendations for your pet.
Rabbit vaccination: a global patchwork
Rabbit vaccination is perhaps the most geographically variable aspect of companion animal medicine. In Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, vaccines against myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) are standard and widely available. In the United States, the situation is more complex — vaccine availability varies by state, and many veterinarians who see rabbits are unfamiliar with these products.
Myxomatosis is a devastating viral disease spread by mosquitoes, fleas, and direct contact. In Europe it has killed millions of wild and domestic rabbits. The virus causes swelling of the eyelids, genitals, and mucous membranes, and is almost always fatal in unvaccinated rabbits. While myxomatosis is rare in most of the US, cases have been reported, and climate change may expand the range of the mosquitoes that carry it.
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 (RHDV2) has emerged as a significant threat in North America since 2018, with outbreaks detected in wild and domestic rabbits across multiple western states. Unlike the original RHDV strain, RHDV2 affects rabbits of all ages and can also infect hares and pikas. Vaccines are becoming more available in the US through exotic-pet veterinarians, but availability remains limited compared to Europe.
There is no rabies vaccine licensed for rabbits. If your rabbit bites someone, local health authorities may require quarantine but will not mandate rabies vaccination since no approved product exists. The best protection for your rabbit is keeping it indoors, using window screens to prevent mosquito entry, and quarantining any new rabbits for two weeks before introduction. Consult an exotic-pet veterinarian familiar with rabbit medicine for region-specific guidance.