IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR PET RABBIT OWNERS FROM THE NZ VETERINARY ASSOCIATION
Do you have a pet rabbit?
Do you know about RHDV1-K5?
Pet rabbits in New Zealand have been living with the risk of disease since the rabbit calicivirus was illegally released in 1997. The new strain set to be released in Autumn 2018 is just as deadly to pet rabbits as the existing strain. However, there may be an increase in cases among the wild rabbit population therefore increasing the possibility of exposure of the virus to pet rabbits.
Pet owners should ensure that they continue to take all available measures to protect their pet rabbits, particularly in areas that are close to populations of wild rabbits.
What can be done to protect pet rabbits against RHDV1-K5?
Rabbits should be vaccinated from 10 to 12 weeks of age, and boosters given according to your veterinarian's recommendation to ensure ongoing protection.
We also recommend the following biosecurity measures for pet rabbit owners:
* Control insects (especially flies and fleas) as much as possible both indoors and outdoors. Flies are the main vector through which the virus is spread.
* Remove uneaten food on a daily basis.
* Keep your pet rabbit indoors where possible.
* Rabbit-proof your backyard to prevent access by wild rabbits
* Regularly decontaminate equipment and materials (e.g. cages, hutches, bowls) with either 10% bleach or 10% sodium hydroxide. 10 minutes' contact time is required, then rinse off.
* Limit contact with and handling of unfamiliar pet rabbits.
* Use good biosecurity measures (e.g. wash hands, shoes, clothing) after handling other people’s rabbits.
* Avoid cutting grass and feeding it to your rabbits if there is the risk of contamination from wild rabbits.
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QUESTION:
Wainuiomata, being fairly rural (ie: Moores Valley, Coast Road) and having a large scenic reserve in Homedale, would have a fairly substantial wild rabbit population. It also has a fairly substantial domestic pet rabbit population. I would like to know if this virus is going to be released in Wainuiomata and, if it is, where specifically?
BLACKHAWK CORGI RACES SUNDAY NOV 17
Who is the fastest Corgi in NZ?
This will be decided on Sunday, November 17 at Belmont Domain, Lower Hutt with racing starting at 2pm.
Thirty Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis will take to the 60 metre track for racing like no other.
Competition comes from as far away as Auckland and Whanganui and if you want to stretch it a little - Scotland - with the very recent arrival of Skye and his owners from the other side of the world.
The youngest to compete is 7 month old, Atlas whilst Bonnie at 14 years is part of the seniors (nine and over) event.
Spectators very welcome to this sixth annual championship organised by the Wellington Welsh Corgi Club.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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3.6% Second half of November
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32.9% 1st December
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23.6% A week before Christmas
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37.1% Whenever you wish
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2.9% Other - I'll share below
Riddle Me This, Neighbours! Bet You Can’t Guess It!
Sometimes narrow, sometimes wide, wind or rain, I stay outside.
Even if there’s heat or snow, from house to house I will still go.
What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
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