# Rabbit Disease Prevention and Biosecurity Planning


## Key Takeaways

- A tiered biosecurity zone system (Public, Controlled, Restricted) is critical for risk management, mandating dedicated footwear and coveralls within the high-risk Restricted Zone (animal housing) and strict access control for personnel and equipment to prevent pathogen introduction.
- Quarantine of all new and returning rabbits for a minimum of 30 days in a separate facility with dedicated equipment and staff is paramount, as failure to adhere to this protocol is a primary cause of disease outbreaks, particularly for enteritis.
- Rigorous sanitation protocols, including daily cleaning and thorough disinfection of empty rooms between production cycles (or at least twice annually) following a dry clean, wash, rinse, and disinfectant application, are essential, as organic matter inactivates many disinfectants.
- Disease prevention relies on a documented vaccination schedule for prevalent diseases like Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) and Myxomatosis, coupled with daily monitoring for clinical signs such as reduced feed intake, lethargy, abnormal feces, or nasal/ocular discharge, and prompt veterinary consultation for any suspected outbreaks.
- Effective waste management, including high-temperature composting of manure and bedding, and secure deadstock disposal via incineration or deep burial, alongside comprehensive rodent and pest exclusion and monitoring, are vital to prevent pathogen amplification and reintroduction.
- Maintaining detailed records of health observations, mortality, treatments, vaccinations, quarantine, visitors, cleaning, and pest control is fundamental for identifying disease trends, evaluating biosecurity effectiveness, and informing timely management adjustments.

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Effective disease prevention on rabbit farms depends on a systematic biosecurity plan that includes physical separation of animal groups, controlled entry of people and equipment, consistent sanitation, and a documented vaccination and monitoring schedule. This article provides rabbit farmers and farm managers with a practical framework for building and maintaining a biosecurity program that reduces the risk of infectious disease outbreaks, including rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD), enteritis, and encephalitozoonosis. The guidance draws on official sources from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Merck Veterinary Manual, the USDA, and peer-reviewed research on rabbit farm biosecurity practices.

## At a Glance: Biosecurity Zones and Key Actions

The following table summarizes the three primary biosecurity zones on a rabbit farm and the essential actions required in each zone. This framework helps farmers allocate resources and prioritize interventions based on risk level.

| Zone | Description | Key Actions | Common Failure |
|------|-------------|-------------|----------------|
| Restricted (High-Risk) | Animal housing areas, isolation and quarantine rooms, and feed storage | Dedicated footwear and coveralls per room, footbaths at entry, no shared equipment between rooms | Staff moving between rooms without changing boots or washing hands |
| Controlled (Medium-Risk) | Farm office, equipment storage, feed mixing area, and farm entrance | Handwashing station, boot wash before entering restricted zone, visitor log and health declaration | Visitors entering restricted zone without farm-provided protective clothing |
| Public (Low-Risk) | Parking area, farm gate, and external access roads | Locked gate, signage with biosecurity instructions, delivery drop-off point outside restricted zone | Delivery drivers or service personnel entering controlled zone without authorization |

## Core Principles of Rabbit Farm Biosecurity

Biosecurity is the set of management practices that prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens within a rabbit population. The FAO provides guidance on biosecurity principles for livestock, emphasizing that prevention is more effective and less costly than outbreak control (FAO, www.fao.org/4/x5082e/x5082e00.htm). For rabbit farmers, the core principles include segregation of animal groups, cleaning and disinfection of facilities and equipment, control of human and vehicle movement, and management of waste and deadstock.

A study of Ontario meat rabbit farms found that enteritis was a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, and that many farms lacked consistent biosecurity practices such as quarantine of new animals and disinfection of equipment between groups (Biosecurity practices and causes of enteritis on Ontario meat rabbit farms, The Canadian veterinary journal, 2017, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28588327). This finding underscores the need for a structured approach to biosecurity that addresses both external and internal disease risks.

## Biosecurity Zones and Access Control

### Defining Farm Zones

Every rabbit farm should be divided into three biosecurity zones based on the level of risk to the animals. The restricted zone includes all areas where rabbits are housed, including breeding pens, grow-out rooms, and isolation or quarantine facilities. The controlled zone includes the farm office, equipment storage, feed mixing area, and the farm entrance where staff change into farm clothing. The public zone includes the parking area, farm gate, and external access roads.

### Access Rules for People and Vehicles

All personnel entering the restricted zone must wear farm-provided footwear and coveralls that remain in that zone. Footbaths containing an approved disinfectant should be placed at the entrance to each rabbit room and changed daily or when visibly soiled. Visitors should be limited to essential personnel only, and a visitor log should record name, date, purpose of visit, and last contact with other livestock. A study on rabbit owners' willingness to engage in disease prevention behaviors found that practical barriers such as time and cost influence compliance, so farm managers should design access rules that are feasible for daily operation (Understanding rabbit owners' willingness to engage in disease prevention behaviors, Preventive [Veterinary Medicine](/blog/careers/veterinary-medicine-careers-from-clinical-practice-to-public-health), 2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106018).

Vehicles delivering feed, equipment, or live animals should not enter the restricted zone. A designated drop-off point at the farm gate or controlled zone boundary reduces the risk of pathogen introduction via tires or undercarriage.

## Quarantine Protocol for New and Returning Rabbits

### Quarantine Facility Requirements

New rabbits entering the farm, including purchased breeding stock and animals returning from shows or sales, must be isolated in a separate quarantine facility for a minimum of 30 days. The quarantine facility should be located at least 50 meters from the main [rabbit housing](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/small-mammal-care/rabbit-housing-indoor-vs-outdoor-hutches-and-enrichment) and have its own ventilation system, feed storage, and cleaning equipment. The Merck Veterinary Manual advises that quarantine periods should be long enough to cover the incubation period of common rabbit diseases, and that separate equipment and clothing should be used for quarantine animals (Merck Veterinary Manual, www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rabbits).

### Quarantine Management Steps

1. Assign dedicated staff to care for quarantine animals, or schedule quarantine care at the end of the workday after all other rabbits have been attended.
2. Observe quarantine rabbits daily for signs of illness, including reduced feed intake, diarrhea, nasal discharge, eye discharge, or sudden death.
3. Collect fecal samples for parasitology and bacteriology testing before releasing animals into the main herd.
4. Do not move any equipment, feed, or bedding from the quarantine area to the main farm without disinfection.

### Release Criteria

Rabbits should only be moved from quarantine to the main herd after completing the full quarantine period and after a veterinary examination confirms they are free of clinical disease. If any animal in the quarantine group shows signs of illness, the quarantine clock resets for the entire group, and a veterinarian should be consulted for diagnostic testing and treatment recommendations.

## Sanitation Protocols for Rabbit Housing and Equipment

### Daily Cleaning Routine

Rabbit housing should be cleaned daily to remove manure, urine, and spilled feed. Wire floors allow waste to fall through, reducing direct contact with feces, but trays or pits beneath cages must be emptied and cleaned regularly. Water bottles or nipples should be washed and disinfected at least weekly, and feed hoppers should be checked for mold or contamination.

### Disinfection Schedule

A complete disinfection of empty rabbit rooms should be performed between production cycles or at least twice per year. The process includes:

1. Remove all rabbits, feed, and bedding.
2. Dry clean by scraping and sweeping all surfaces.
3. Wash with hot water and detergent to remove organic matter.
4. Rinse and allow to dry.
5. Apply an approved disinfectant at the correct concentration and contact time.
6. Allow the room to dry completely before reintroducing rabbits.

The USDA Animal Health and Welfare resources emphasize that cleaning must precede disinfection because organic matter inactivates many disinfectants (USDA National Agricultural Library, www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare). Common disinfectants for rabbit facilities include diluted bleach (sodium hypochlorite), quaternary ammonium compounds, and peroxygen compounds. Farmers should rotate disinfectant classes periodically to prevent the development of resistant microorganisms.

### Equipment Sanitation

Equipment that moves between rabbit rooms, such as transport cages, weighing scales, and nest boxes, should be cleaned and disinfected after each use. Dedicated equipment for each room reduces the risk of cross-contamination. A study on biosecurity countermeasures during an outbreak of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in zoo rabbits highlighted the importance of disinfecting all equipment that contacts rabbits or their excreta (Surveillance for an outbreak of encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in rabbits housed at a zoo and biosecurity countermeasures, Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 2013, https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.12-0231).

## Vaccination Schedule and Disease Monitoring

### Core Vaccinations for Rabbits

Vaccination is a critical component of disease prevention, particularly for rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) and myxomatosis, where available. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that vaccination protocols should be developed in consultation with a veterinarian familiar with local disease risks (Merck Veterinary Manual, www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rabbits). In regions where RHD is endemic, vaccination of all breeding stock and grow-out rabbits is recommended.

A study on cross-protection in wild European rabbits challenged with different RHD viruses found that prior infection with one RHD virus genotype can provide partial protection against another genotype, but vaccination remains the most reliable prevention method (Cross-protection, infection and case fatality rates in wild European rabbits experimentally challenged with different rabbit haemorrhagic disease viruses, Transboundary and emerging diseases, 2022, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35315981). Farmers should ensure that the vaccine used covers the circulating virus strains in their region.

### Vaccination Record Keeping

Maintain a vaccination log for each rabbit or group that includes:

- Date of vaccination
- Vaccine product name and batch number
- Route of administration (subcutaneous or intramuscular)
- Dose administered
- Name of person administering the vaccine
- Any adverse reactions observed

### Disease Monitoring and Surveillance

Daily observation of all rabbits is the foundation of disease monitoring. Train farm staff to recognize early signs of illness, including:

- Reduced feed or water intake
- Lethargy or reluctance to move
- Abnormal feces (diarrhea, mucus, or blood)
- Nasal or ocular discharge
- Swelling of the face, eyelids, or genitals (suggestive of myxomatosis)
- Sudden death

A surveillance program for Encephalitozoon cuniculi in a zoo rabbit outbreak demonstrated that regular testing of clinically normal rabbits can identify subclinical carriers and guide biosecurity interventions (Surveillance for an outbreak of encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in rabbits housed at a zoo and biosecurity countermeasures, Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 2013, https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.12-0231). For commercial rabbit farms, periodic testing of a representative sample of animals for common pathogens can provide early warning of emerging disease.

## Waste Management and Deadstock Disposal

### Manure and Bedding Management

Manure and used bedding should be removed from rabbit housing daily and stored in a designated area away from the farm. Composting manure at high temperatures (above 55°C for several days) can reduce pathogen load, but the compost pile must be managed to prevent access by rodents, birds, and other animals that could reintroduce pathogens. The FAO Animal Production and Health division provides guidance on manure management as part of farm biosecurity (FAO Animal Production and Health, www.fao.org/animal-production/en).

### Deadstock Disposal

Dead rabbits should be removed from housing immediately and disposed of in a manner that prevents disease transmission. Options include incineration, rendering, or burial at a depth that prevents scavenger access. The disposal method must comply with local regulations. Farm staff should wear gloves and wash hands after handling dead animals, and the disposal area should be located away from rabbit housing and water sources.

## Rodent and Pest Control

### Rodent Exclusion and Monitoring

Rodents are vectors for numerous rabbit pathogens, including Salmonella, Pasteurella, and E. cuniculi. The farm should be designed to exclude rodents through sealed walls, doors, and feed storage containers. Bait stations should be placed around the perimeter of rabbit housing and checked regularly. A pest control log should record bait station locations, inspection dates, and any rodent activity observed.

### Bird and Insect Control

Birds can introduce pathogens through droppings and by carrying contaminated material between farms. Netting over open vents and keeping feed storage areas closed can reduce bird access. Insects such as flies and mosquitoes can transmit myxomatosis and other diseases. Fly control measures include maintaining clean housing, using insect screens on windows and vents, and applying approved insecticides in empty rooms between cycles.

## Record Keeping for Biosecurity and Health

### Essential Records

Accurate records allow farmers to track disease trends, evaluate the effectiveness of biosecurity measures, and demonstrate compliance with [food safety](/knowledge/bacteria/livestock-bacteria/cooking-chicken-bacteria-prevention) or certification programs. The following records should be maintained:

- Daily health observation log for each rabbit room
- Mortality records including date, animal ID, and suspected cause of death
- Treatment records including drug name, dose, route, withdrawal period, and animal identification
- Vaccination records as described above
- Quarantine records including source of animals, entry date, and release date
- Visitor log
- Cleaning and disinfection schedule and completion records
- Pest control log

### Using Records for Decision Making

Review mortality and treatment records monthly to identify patterns. An increase in diarrhea cases in a specific room may indicate a failure in cleaning or ventilation. A cluster of sudden deaths may signal an outbreak of RHD or another acute disease requiring immediate veterinary investigation. The FAO emphasizes that record analysis is a key component of preventive medicine and allows farmers to adjust management practices before disease becomes widespread (FAO, www.fao.org/4/x5082e/x5082e00.htm).

## Common Failure Patterns in [Rabbit Biosecurity](/knowledge/animal-farming/rabbits/rabbit-biosecurity-housing-preventing-disease)

### Failure 1: Inconsistent Quarantine Compliance

The most common biosecurity failure on rabbit farms is incomplete or inconsistent quarantine of new animals. Farmers may shorten the quarantine period due to production pressure, or they may allow quarantine animals to be cared for by the same staff who work with the main herd. A study of biosecurity practices on Ontario meat rabbit farms found that many farms did not quarantine new animals at all, and those that did often failed to use separate equipment or clothing (Biosecurity practices and causes of enteritis on Ontario meat rabbit farms, The Canadian veterinary journal, 2017, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28588327).

### Failure 2: Shared Equipment Between Rooms

Using the same transport cages, feed scoops, or cleaning tools in multiple rabbit rooms without disinfection is a common route of pathogen spread. Each room should have its own set of equipment, or equipment must be cleaned and disinfected between rooms.

### Failure 3: Inadequate Footbath Maintenance

Footbaths are only effective if the disinfectant solution is at the correct concentration and is changed regularly. Footbaths that are left unchanged for days or that contain organic matter (manure, mud) can actually spread pathogens instead of kill them. Footbaths should be emptied, cleaned, and refilled daily, or more frequently if heavily soiled.

### Failure 4: Poor Visitor Control

Allowing visitors to enter rabbit housing without farm-provided protective clothing or without a recent history of no contact with other livestock is a high-risk practice. A visitor log and clear signage at the farm entrance can help enforce access rules.

## Limitations and Professional Escalation Criteria

### Limitations of On-Farm Biosecurity

Biosecurity measures reduce but do not eliminate the risk of disease introduction. Airborne transmission of some pathogens, such as RHD virus, can occur over short distances, and wild rabbits or rodents may carry disease onto the farm despite exclusion efforts. Farmers should maintain a working relationship with a veterinarian who can provide diagnostic support and outbreak response planning.

### When to Escalate to a Veterinarian

Farmers should contact a veterinarian immediately if any of the following occur:

- Sudden death of multiple rabbits within 24 to 48 hours
- Rapid spread of diarrhea or respiratory signs across multiple rooms
- Swelling of the face or genitals suggestive of myxomatosis
- Neurological signs such as head tilt, circling, or seizures
- Any disease that does not respond to initial treatment within 48 hours
- Suspicion of a notifiable disease such as RHD or tularemia

The Merck Veterinary Manual advises that early veterinary intervention improves outcomes and reduces the risk of widespread disease (Merck Veterinary Manual, www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rabbits). Farmers should have a written outbreak response plan that includes contact information for their veterinarian, diagnostic laboratory, and local animal health authority.

## Welfare and Safety Context

### Animal Welfare Implications of Disease

Disease prevention is a core component of rabbit welfare. Pain, distress, and reduced mobility associated with infectious diseases compromise welfare and can lead to prolonged suffering if not detected early. The USDA Animal Health and Welfare resources emphasize that preventive health programs, including biosecurity and vaccination, are essential for maintaining welfare standards (USDA National Agricultural Library, www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare). Farmers have a responsibility to provide an environment that minimizes disease risk and to seek veterinary care promptly when illness occurs.

### Worker Safety

Biosecurity protocols also protect farm workers. [Zoonotic diseases](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/veterinary-pathology-microbiology/zoonotic-diseases-mechanisms-and-veterinary-public-health) that can be transmitted from rabbits to humans include tularemia, ringworm, and pasteurellosis. Workers should wear gloves when handling rabbits or cleaning housing, and handwashing facilities should be readily available. The FAO notes that biosecurity measures that protect animal health also reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission to farm personnel (FAO, www.fao.org/4/x5082e/x5082e00.htm).

### Food Safety Considerations

For rabbit farms producing meat for human consumption, biosecurity and disease prevention are directly linked to food safety. Sick animals should not be sent to slaughter, and withdrawal periods for any medications must be strictly observed. Records of treatments and withdrawal periods should be maintained for each animal or group. The FAO Animal Production and Health division provides guidance on food safety in livestock production systems (FAO Animal Production and Health, www.fao.org/animal-production/en).

## Practical Implementation Steps for a Biosecurity Plan

### Step 1: Assess Current Practices

Walk through the farm and identify current biosecurity strengths and weaknesses. Note where footbaths are placed, whether quarantine facilities are used, how equipment is cleaned, and how visitors are managed. Use the At a Glance table above to classify each area of the farm into the appropriate biosecurity zone.

### Step 2: Write a Written Biosecurity Plan

Document the following elements:

- Farm map showing biosecurity zones
- Access rules for people, vehicles, and animals
- Quarantine protocol
- Cleaning and disinfection schedule
- Vaccination schedule
- Pest control plan
- Waste and deadstock disposal procedures
- Record keeping requirements
- Outbreak response plan

### Step 3: Train All Staff

Hold a training session for all farm personnel covering the biosecurity plan, proper handwashing and boot cleaning techniques, recognition of disease signs, and the importance of record keeping. Provide written copies of the plan and post signage at key points on the farm.

### Step 4: Implement and Monitor

Begin implementing the plan immediately. Assign responsibility for each component to a specific person. Conduct weekly checks of footbaths, quarantine areas, and cleaning records. Review mortality and treatment data monthly.

### Step 5: Review and Update Annually

Biosecurity plans should be reviewed at least annually and updated when new disease risks emerge, when farm facilities change, or after an outbreak investigation. The FAO recommends that biosecurity plans be treated as living documents that evolve with the farm and the disease landscape (FAO, www.fao.org/4/x5082e/x5082e00.htm).

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the most important biosecurity measure for a rabbit farm?

The most important biosecurity measure is quarantine of all new and returning rabbits for a minimum of 30 days in a separate facility with dedicated equipment and staff. Without quarantine, new animals can introduce pathogens that spread rapidly through the main herd. The Merck Veterinary Manual emphasizes quarantine as a foundational biosecurity practice (Merck Veterinary Manual, www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rabbits).

### How often should rabbit housing be disinfected?

Rabbit housing should be cleaned daily to remove manure and soiled bedding. A complete disinfection of empty rooms should be performed between production cycles or at least twice per year. The USDA Animal Health and Welfare resources state that cleaning must precede disinfection for the disinfectant to be effective (USDA National Agricultural Library, www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare).

### What diseases can be prevented by vaccination in rabbits?

Vaccines are available for rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) and myxomatosis in many regions. The Merck Veterinary Manual advises that vaccination protocols should be developed with a veterinarian based on local disease risks (Merck Veterinary Manual, www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rabbits). Not all rabbit diseases have vaccines, so biosecurity remains essential even in vaccinated herds.

### How long should new rabbits be quarantined?

New rabbits should be quarantined for a minimum of 30 days. This period covers the incubation period of most common rabbit diseases. If any animal in the quarantine group shows signs of illness, the quarantine clock resets for the entire group, and a veterinarian should be consulted.

### Can rabbits transmit diseases to humans?

Yes, rabbits can transmit zoonotic diseases to humans, including tularemia, ringworm, and pasteurellosis. Farm workers should wear gloves when handling rabbits and wash hands thoroughly after contact. The FAO notes that biosecurity measures protect both animal and human health (FAO, www.fao.org/4/x5082e/x5082e00.htm).

### What should I do if I suspect an outbreak of rabbit haemorrhagic disease?

Contact a veterinarian immediately. RHD is a notifiable disease in many countries and requires rapid diagnosis and reporting. Isolate affected animals, stop all movement of rabbits on and off the farm, and implement enhanced biosecurity measures including dedicated clothing and equipment for the affected area.

### How do I choose a disinfectant for rabbit housing?

Choose a disinfectant that is effective against the pathogens of concern, safe for use around rabbits, and appropriate for the surface being cleaned. Common options include diluted bleach, quaternary ammonium compounds, and peroxygen compounds. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for dilution and contact time. Rotate disinfectant classes periodically to prevent resistance.

### What records should I keep for my rabbit farm biosecurity program?

Maintain daily health observation logs, mortality records, treatment records, vaccination records, quarantine records, a visitor log, cleaning and disinfection completion records, and a pest control log. These records help track disease trends, evaluate biosecurity effectiveness, and demonstrate compliance with food safety or certification programs.

## Related Farming Guides

- [Direct Marketing Rabbit Meat And Fiber Planning Processing And Local Rules](/knowledge/animal-farming/rabbits/direct-marketing-rabbit-meat-and-fiber-planning-processing-and-local-rules)
- [Buying Rabbits For Breeding Source Questions Transport And Quarantine](/knowledge/animal-farming/rabbits/buying-rabbits-for-breeding-source-questions-transport-and-quarantine)
- [Rabbit Transport Planning Fitness Containers Weather And Arrival Checks](/knowledge/animal-farming/rabbits/rabbit-transport-planning-fitness-containers-weather-and-arrival-checks)
- [Rabbit Manure Management And Composting On Small Farms](/knowledge/animal-farming/rabbits/rabbit-manure-management-and-composting-on-small-farms)
- [Raising Meat Rabbits From Weaning To Processing Weight](/knowledge/animal-farming/rabbits/raising-meat-rabbits-from-weaning-to-processing-weight)

## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

* [Rabbit Housing for Meat Production: Efficient and Humane Systems](/knowledge/animal-farming/rabbits/rabbit-housing-meat-production-efficient-humane)
* [Raising Meat Rabbits From Weaning to Processing Weight](/knowledge/animal-farming/rabbits/raising-meat-rabbits-from-weaning-to-processing-weight)
* [Rabbit Cage Sizing and Space Requirements by Breed and Stage](/knowledge/animal-farming/rabbits/rabbit-cage-sizing-space-requirements-breed-stage)


## References and Further Reading

- [www.fao.org](https://www.fao.org/4/x5082e/x5082e00.htm)
- [www.merckvetmanual.com](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rabbits)
- [www.ars.usda.gov](https://www.ars.usda.gov/)
- [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
- [Animal Health and Welfare](https://www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare). USDA National Agricultural Library.
- [Extensive cross-species transmission of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes in mammals neglected by public health surveillance.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40865528). Cell, 2025.
- [Biosecurity practices and causes of enteritis on Ontario meat rabbit farms.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28588327). The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne, 2017.
- [Frank Fenner (1914-2010).](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21209651). Nature, 2011.
- [A novel STING agonist-adjuvanted pan-sarbecovirus vaccine elicits potent and durable neutralizing antibody and T cell responses in mice, rabbits and NHPs.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35046518). [Cell research](/blog/news/cell-research), 2022.
- [The Changing Legal Status of Cats in Australia: From Friend of the Settlers, to Enemy of the Rabbit, and Now a Threat to Biodiversity and Biosecurity Risk.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30834250). Frontiers in [veterinary science](/blog/news/veterinary-science), 2018.
- [Cross-protection, infection and case fatality rates in wild European rabbits experimentally challenged with different rabbit haemorrhagic disease viruses.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35315981). Transboundary and emerging diseases, 2022.
- [Biosecurity practices and causes of enteritis on Ontario meat rabbit farms](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85026634160). Canadian Veterinary Journal, 2017.
- [Biosecurity and rabbit farming in Algeria: Analysis of practices adopted in the face of haemorrhagic disease](https://doi.org/10.19182/remvt.37538). Revue D Elevage Et De Medecine Veterinaire Des Pays Tropicaux France, 2024.
- [Understanding rabbit owners’ willingness to engage in disease prevention behaviors](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106018). Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 2023.
- [Surveillance for an outbreak of encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in rabbits housed at a zoo and biosecurity countermeasures](https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.12-0231). Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 2013.
- [Preventive medicine and rabbit health management](https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-44542-2_17). Veterinary Care of Farm Rabbits A Complete Practice Guide to Rabbit Medicine and Production, 2024.

> This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.