In this article
Rabies in Rabbits: Vet Guide for 2025 🐇🦠
By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc
🧬 What is Rabies?
Rabies is a deadly viral encephalitis caused by Lyssavirus transmitted through saliva—typically via bites. Once clinical signs appear, the disease is almost invariably fatal in all mammals, including rabbits :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
🦘 Can Rabbits Get Rabies?
Yes, rabbits are susceptible to rabies, though it’s extremely rare in domestic rabbits :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. Cases mostly result from bites by rabid wildlife. Rabbits are not natural reservoirs and haven’t been implicated in human rabies transmission in the U.S. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
⚠️ Why It Matters
Rabies progresses rapidly and leads to death from brain inflammation. In rare affected rabbits, early detection and strict quarantine of exposed animals are critical to protect other pets and humans :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
📌 Signs of Rabies in Rabbits
Furious form:
- Sudden aggression, biting, erratic behavior :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Hyperactivity or restlessness
Paralytic form:
- Progressive paralysis—often starting with facial or throat muscles :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Excess salivation, difficulty swallowing, drooling
- Hind-limb weakness, eventual coma/death
Other signs may include disorientation, tremors, lethargy, or anorexia :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
🦠 Incubation Period & Disease Course
After exposure, symptoms may appear in 2–3 weeks. Once neurologic signs begin, death typically follows within a few days :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
🩺 Diagnosing Rabies
- History of bite or wildlife contact
- Clinical signs—behavioral changes, paralysis
- Definitive diagnosis only post-mortem via fluorescent antibody test or PCR :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Ante-mortem diagnosis is unreliable; euthanasia and lab testing are generally required for confirmation.
🐾 What to Do If Exposure Occurs
- Isolate the rabbit immediately.
- Keep it calm and comfortable.
- Contact a rabbit-savvy vet and local health authorities.
- Consider euthanasia and testing, due to the fatal and zoonotic nature of rabies.
🚫 Is Rabies Treatable?
No. There’s no effective treatment once symptoms appear; rabies is almost always fatal. Euthanasia is recommended for both animal welfare and public health :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
🛡️ Prevention & Biosecurity
- Restrict rabbit exposure to wildlife; supervise outdoor play.
- Repair fencing and remove wildlife attractants.
- Clean and disinfect cages, utensils, and gear after outdoor use.
- Wash hands after handling any animal; use protective gloves if cleaning after wildlife.
- Report any wildlife rabies activity in your area to authorities.
💉 Vaccination Options
In the U.S., no rabies vaccine is approved specifically for rabbits. Some vets provide off-label canine/cat vaccines to outdoor rabbits. Indoor-only rabbits typically don't require vaccination :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
- Off‑label vaccine use: May be considered for high-risk rabbits—discuss risks & benefits with your vet.
- Legal context: Vaccinated rabbits might not be covered under animal vaccine regulations.
📋 Quick Reference Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Incidence | Extremely rare in rabbits |
| Transmission | Typically via bite from infected wildlife |
| Incubation | 2–3 weeks (may vary) |
| Signs | Aggression, paralysis, excessive drooling |
| Diagnosis | Post-mortem tests required |
| Treatment | No cure—euthanasia is humane and precautionary |
| Prevention | Biosecurity, wildlife control, optional off‑label vaccines |
🧠 Pro Vet Tips for 2025
- Always ask if rabbit has outdoor wildlife exposure when discussing risk.
- Advocate for off-label vaccination if local wildlife threatens unvaccinated bunnies.
- Raise awareness—many owners assume rabbits can’t get rabies.
- Ensure staff and clients follow strict hygiene after outdoor care or wildlife contact.
🔚 Final Thoughts
Though rabies in rabbits is rare, it carries serious consequences. Prevention through biosecurity, vigilance about wildlife exposure, and considering off-label vaccines for outdoor bunnies are key in 2025. If exposure occurs, quarantine, vet consult, and humane euthanasia/testing are essential. 🐇❤️
🌟 Partner Services
- Ask A Vet: Live-access rabbit-expert veterinary advice if you suspect rabies exposure or have biosecurity questions.
- Woopf: Secure outdoor hutches, wildlife-proof fencing, and disinfection kits.
- Purrz: Protective gloves, surface disinfectants, and stress-reducing gear for safe rabbit handling.
