pocket pet vaccine

Location

Vaccination requirements vary greatly depending on the location and the risk of being exposed to the disease.

Recommendations

Some countries do not widely recommend any vaccinations for pet rabbits, while others have standard vaccination protocols in place to prevent disease spread and protect pets.

Vaccination Status

Veterinarians in the US do not vaccinate pet rabbits as a part of routine pet care.

Approval

There are no officially licensed or approved rabbit vaccines sold in the U.S. or Canada.

Prevention

Prevention is commonly used to protect rabbits from disease in the US, primarily through careful separation from wild animals that may transmit diseases.

Vaccination Types (UK)

Pet rabbits in the UK receive 2 basic vaccinations: Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease Vaccination (Rabbit Calicivirus Disease).

Purpose of Vaccinations (UK)

These vaccinations are given to prevent typically fatal diseases from spreading within the pet population.

Myxomatosis Vaccine (UK)

The Myxomatosis Vaccine should be given at 6 weeks of age with annual boosters to maintain protection and effectiveness.

VHD Vaccine (UK)

The VFD vaccine is given between 12 and 14 weeks of age and also requires an annual booster.

Myxomatosis (UK)

A fatal disease of domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) caused by the myxoma virus (Poxvirus group).

Symptoms of Myxomatosis (UK)

Characterized by 'Big Head': mucinous skin lesions or myxomas on affected rabbits.

Wild Rabbit Resistance (UK)

Wild rabbits such as cottontails (Sylvilagus) and jackrabbits (Lepus) are quite resistant to myxomatosis.

Vulnerability of Other Mammals (UK)

All other mammals are refractory to the myxoma virus.

Transmission (UK)

Myxomatosis is transmitted through mosquitos, fleas, biting flies, and direct contact.

Geographic Distribution (UK)

In the US, myxomatosis is restricted largely to the coastal area of California and Oregon, with sporadic cases due to the California brush rabbit (S. bachmani), the reservoir of the infection.

Rabbitries (UK)

Losses in rabbitries due to myxomatosis may range from 25-90% in affected populations.

New Zealand

In New Zealand, one vaccine is approved for use in rabbits.

Rabbit Calicivirus (NZ)

A disease that was intentionally introduced to the wild rabbit population by farmers to reduce rabbit numbers damaging crops; it is almost always fatal.

RCV Options (NZ)

1. One dose before 12 weeks of age plus a booster 4 weeks later.
2. One dose at 12 weeks of age, plus annual boosters after the initial shot.

Myxomatosis (AU)

Widespread in the Australian environment, putting domestic rabbits at infection risk.

Vaccine Ban (AU)

Two myxomatosis vaccines exist but are not allowed for use in Australia.

Live Virus (AU)

Vaccines are classified as 'live-virus' with weakened forms of the virus.

Transmission Risk (AU)

Concerns that vaccine's weakened viruses could immunize pest rabbit populations.

Wild Control (AU)

Myxoma virus is still used to control wild rabbits; hence vaccines are not approved until more research is done.

Ethical Issue (AU)

Presents a dilemma between rabbit health and ecological population impacts.

no

guinea pig have __ vaccine

Distemper (Ferrets)

Vaccination at 8, 12, and 16 weeks; booster every 12 months.

Rabies (Ferrets)

A rabies vaccine is available for ferrets.

Influenza (Ferrets)

Ferrets can contract the human influenza virus.

Psittacine Vaccines

No vaccines are appropriate for psittacine (parrot type) birds.

Polyoma Virus (Birds)

A available vaccine for birds, particularly for certain species.

Pacheco Virus (Birds)

A vaccine exists for Pacheco's disease in birds.

Pox Virus (Birds)

Available vaccine for pox virus in birds.

Newcastle Disease (Birds)

VVND must be reported if suspected; vaccination is prohibited in birds entering the USA due to carrier state issues.

Fleas (Rabbits)

Rabbits are susceptible to dog fleas.

Fleas (Ferrets)

Ferrets can acquire fleas from cats or dogs; flea control products are recommended.

Fleas (Guinea Pigs)

Guinea pigs can also get fleas.

Mites (Rabbits)

Fur mites can cause a dandruff-like condition; ear mites lead to scratching and visible earwax.

Ear Mites (Rabbits)

Rabbits may scratch at their ears due to ear mites.

Mites (Guinea Pigs)

Commonly acquired from new bedding or other guinea pigs; some mites cause intense itchiness and scabs.

Mites (Ferrets)

Ferrets can get ear mites from dogs, cats, and other ferrets.

Intestinal Worms (Pocket Pets)

Rarely cause problems; routine worming is not required.

Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis)

Rabbits and guinea pigs are not susceptible; ferrets require oral medication for prevention.

Ferret Heartworm Prevention

Oral medication for ferrets prevents heartworm and controls fleas.

Dental Care (Rabbits and Guinea Pigs)

Rabbits and guinea pigs have continually growing teeth; overgrown incisors and molars can lead to malocclusion due to poor diet or hereditary factors.

Dental Problems (Ferrets)

Ferrets may experience tartar buildup and gingivitis, leading to dental disease.

Nail Trimming (Pocket Pets)

Guinea pigs, rabbits, and ferrets have continuously growing nails that require regular trimming.

Mites & Lice

Infestations can affect the skin and feathers; some may infest the respiratory tract.

Parasite Life Cycle

Some parasites complete their entire life cycle on the bird, while others live part of their life in the environment.

Infestation Symptoms

Symptoms include feather chewing, feather loss, poor feather quality, and skin inflammation; some parasites may be visible to the naked eye.

Parasite Treatment

Treatment options depend on the specific type of parasites infesting the bird.

Scaly Face Mite

Cnemidocoptes pilae affects budgerigars; causes white, porous encrustations around the mouth, beak, legs, or vent.

Symptoms in Passerines

In species like canaries and goldfinches, symptoms include crusts on legs and digit surfaces, known as 'tassel foot.'

Immunity Effects

Immunocompetent individuals are generally not affected by scaly face mites.

Diagnosis in Budgerigars

Facial scrapings and clinical appearance are pathognomonic for diagnosing scaly face mite in budgerigars.

Leg Skin Scraping

Leg skin scrapings in passerines are generally not recommended due to risk of hemorrhage.

Mange Overview

Cnemidocoptes causes mange on the beak and face of parakeets, leading to pale crusty lesions and beak malformation.

Tassel Foot

A condition observed in canaries characterized by crusty formations on legs and digit surfaces due to mite infestation.

Scaly Legs

Infestation by Cnemidocoptes leads to scaly lesions on the legs of birds, commonly seen in passerines like canaries.

Feather Mites

Psittacines are seldom affected by feather mites, but red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) may infest outdoor aviaries.

Feather Picking Assumptions

Owners often assume a causative link between mites and feather picking; however, it's rarely the case.

Common Causes of Feather Picking

Feather picking is more commonly associated with behavioral, husbandry, and systemic factors rather than mites.

Air Sac Mites**

Mites called Sternostoma tracheacolum infest the respiratory tract of canaries and Gouldian finches, affecting respiratory tissues at all life stages.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of air sac mites is not well understood, contributing to challenges in treatment.

Mild Infections

Birds with mild infections of air sac mites may show no symptoms, appearing healthy.

Heavy Infection Symptoms

Signs of heavy mite infections include loud breathing, sneezing, tail bobbing, open-mouth breathing, and excessive saliva (ptyalism).

Stress Exacerbation

Handling, exercise, and stress can worsen the symptoms of air sac mite infestations, posing risks of high mortality.

Diagnosis via Transillumination

To diagnose air sac mites, transillumination of the trachea in a darkened setting is an effective method.