RHDV2 Vaccination and Annual Booster Required for
All Rabbits Attending Midwest BunFest 2024
RHDV2 Vaccine and Booster Requirement
After consulting with our trusted exotics veterinarians, Ohio House Rabbit Rescue, host of Midwest BunFest, has decided to again require that all rabbits attending the October 27, 2024 event must be vaccinated against RHDV2 (a virus that is very deadly to rabbits) and up be up to date on an annual booster. This includes rabbits visiting the Bunny Spa, Bunny Glamour Shots, and the Hospitality Suite on Friday and Saturday nights.
Although, as of July 2024, no cases have been confirmed in Ohio, cases have been identified in nearby states. Because Midwest BunFest draws rabbit lovers, and their rabbits, from many different states, allowing only vaccinated rabbits will prevent the spread of the disease at the event.
We are announcing the vaccination requirement in Mid-July, so any owners whose rabbits are not vaccinated or are due for their annual booster will have ample time before BunFest to schedule the administration of the vaccine. Also, the owners of vaccinated rabbits will want to be sure they can present one of the proofs of vaccination listed below.
Proof of vaccination must be shown upon entry to the main BunFest event and the Hospitality Suite (where bunnies, and people, mingle). Proof of RHDV vaccination is required from an authorized veterinarian. This includes a two vaccine series within the last year, or if previously vaccinated, then proof of an annual booster within the last year. Acceptable proof of vaccination includes one of these:
Want to get your rabbit vaccinated? Click here for vaccination sites in Central Ohio . If you live outside Central Ohio, check with your veterinarian for vaccination sites in your area.
About RHDV2
For more information on RHDV2 and the vaccine, visit the House Rabbit Society’s RHDV Resource Center.
You will also want to be sure that you know the source of all bedding, hay, and food you bring to the event and/or the Hospitality Suite at the Sheraton Suites, our host hotel. You will need to confirm that the source of your supplies is not in an RHDV2 outbreak area or that the source company (such as Oxbow and other larger companies) follows stringent RHDV2 control practices. (To learn more about this and other biosecurity practices, check out the House Rabbit Society’s RHDV Resource Center.)
Please make an informed decision about bringing your vaccinated rabbit to Midwest BunFest. If your rabbit is not vaccinated, please leave your rabbit at home. As usual, we will require you to sign a MWBF Rabbit Attendance Agreement. By signing the agreement, you confirm a number of things:
Read the full Rabbit Attendance Agreement.
After consulting with our trusted exotics veterinarians, Ohio House Rabbit Rescue, host of Midwest BunFest, has decided to again require that all rabbits attending the October 27, 2024 event must be vaccinated against RHDV2 (a virus that is very deadly to rabbits) and up be up to date on an annual booster. This includes rabbits visiting the Bunny Spa, Bunny Glamour Shots, and the Hospitality Suite on Friday and Saturday nights.
Although, as of July 2024, no cases have been confirmed in Ohio, cases have been identified in nearby states. Because Midwest BunFest draws rabbit lovers, and their rabbits, from many different states, allowing only vaccinated rabbits will prevent the spread of the disease at the event.
We are announcing the vaccination requirement in Mid-July, so any owners whose rabbits are not vaccinated or are due for their annual booster will have ample time before BunFest to schedule the administration of the vaccine. Also, the owners of vaccinated rabbits will want to be sure they can present one of the proofs of vaccination listed below.
Proof of vaccination must be shown upon entry to the main BunFest event and the Hospitality Suite (where bunnies, and people, mingle). Proof of RHDV vaccination is required from an authorized veterinarian. This includes a two vaccine series within the last year, or if previously vaccinated, then proof of an annual booster within the last year. Acceptable proof of vaccination includes one of these:
- Vaccination or Booster Certification Form
- Bill from Vet office or Clinic showing vaccination or booster was purchased
- Documentation from Vet office pet portal
Want to get your rabbit vaccinated? Click here for vaccination sites in Central Ohio . If you live outside Central Ohio, check with your veterinarian for vaccination sites in your area.
About RHDV2
For more information on RHDV2 and the vaccine, visit the House Rabbit Society’s RHDV Resource Center.
You will also want to be sure that you know the source of all bedding, hay, and food you bring to the event and/or the Hospitality Suite at the Sheraton Suites, our host hotel. You will need to confirm that the source of your supplies is not in an RHDV2 outbreak area or that the source company (such as Oxbow and other larger companies) follows stringent RHDV2 control practices. (To learn more about this and other biosecurity practices, check out the House Rabbit Society’s RHDV Resource Center.)
Please make an informed decision about bringing your vaccinated rabbit to Midwest BunFest. If your rabbit is not vaccinated, please leave your rabbit at home. As usual, we will require you to sign a MWBF Rabbit Attendance Agreement. By signing the agreement, you confirm a number of things:
- That your rabbit is in good health
- That your rabbit is vaccinated and up-to-date on the annual booster, and you can provide one of our accepted proof of that vaccination or booster.
- That you know the source of all bedding, hay, and food you bring to BunFest and other events at the host hotel, and that source is not in an RHDV2 outbreak area or the source company (such as Oxbow and other larger companies) follows stringent RHDV2 control practices.
- Other items as stated in the agreement
Read the full Rabbit Attendance Agreement.