A highly infectious rabbit disease which is wiping out rabbit populations across the UK has been reported for the first time in Exmouth.

A local wildlife conservation group has reported that a rabbit found having convulsions on the Maer in Exmouth has been confirmed to have died as a result of contracting RVHD2, a relatively new strain of RVHD.

Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease Two (RVHD2) is a new strain of the virus RVHD1. Cases of the disease were first reported in the UK in 2015. As with RVHD1 the virus causes internal bleeding.

Exmouth Wildlife Group and local vets are now urging pet rabbit owners to update their animals' vaccinations to prevent an outbreak.

Exmouth Wildlife Group spokesperson, Jan Gannaway, said: "A young wild rabbit was found recently on the Maer having convulsions. It died soon after and was taken for investigation.

"Sadly, this case has now been confirmed as RVHD variant two which is a deadly and highly infectious rabbit disease wiping out rabbit populations all over the country. It can spread quickly and does not require any contact between animals.

"If you have pet rabbits, or know anyone who has pet rabbits, please check that their vaccinations are up to date. Variant two vaccinations have not been available for very long so you need to check that your rabbits had variant two vaccinations, not just variant one. We hope that the Maer warren will survive this infection."

According to Rabbit Awareness Week, RVHD2 often has no symptoms, meaning that it is very hard to spot early on. Where symptoms do occur these signs are easily confused with other health conditions: fever, lethargy, neurological signs (coma) and blood clotting problems.

It is a myth that RVHD2 can only be caught through contact with an infected rabbit. In actual fact the virus can be carried by:

-Birds and insects and their droppings.

-Soles of shoes, car tyres or other pets' feet.

-Owners' hands or clothes.

Your vet can vaccinate your rabbits against RVHD2, this is a separate vaccination to the combined myxomatosis/RVHD1 vaccine. Your vet will then advise what booster vaccinations your rabbit will need, usually every 6-12 months.

There have been some cases where rabbits have recovered from RVHD2. However, in most cases the disease is fatal.

If you would like to find out more about the work being done by Exmouth Wildlife Group, please click the red button below.