IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO ALL RABBIT OWNERS - Concerns for rabbits with a new version of RHVD2 in UK and France

In 2017 the GSPCA confirmed that RHVD2 a disease that can kill both domestic and wild rabbits was present in Guernsey.

The GSPCA have been made aware of a new variant and want all rabbit owners to do all they can to ensure their beloved bunnies are kept safe.

The GSPCA have recently received this communication from the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund ‘In light of recent comments online, it is clear that some of you have lost rabbits to RVHD2, some of which may be from the new, highly virulent strain. As this means that the current vaccine has not offered protection, reporting it will assist the regulatory authorities to allow in vaccines which do.

If you have had a rabbit of yours die from suspected RVHD, after vaccination, please contact your vet and ask them to report it via the scheme below, as well as to the vaccine manufacturers MSD directly.

If your vet would prefer you to report it, you will need the date of vaccination, the vaccine details from them, and can go here to do so:

https://www.gov.uk/report-veterinary-medicine-problem/animal-reacts-medicine or email [email protected]

Please don't attempt to respond to this message.  Only admin is able to post to the group.  If you wish to contact the RWAF please use [email protected] ‘

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “The GSPCA are keen for islanders to be aware of concerns over a possible new strain of a disease killing rabbits in the UK.”

“There are two strains of Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease often referred to as RVHD, each known as RVHD1 and RVHD2.”

“Both strains are lethal and it is so important like we do at the GSPCA to vaccinate to protect your rabbits.”

“RVHD2 has been in the UK since 2013 and has now overtaken classic RVHD as the primary strain and in 2017 the GSPCA first identified RHVD2 as being present on the island.”

“The advice online on RHVD2 from the RWAF is for the UK, here in Guernsey please if you are concerned about your rabbits health please get in touch with your vet immediately.”

“RHVD2 is a horrendous disease in rabbits and can kill exceptionally quickly from spotting signs of your rabbit going off their food to their passing.”

“Often there are a lack of symptoms making both diseases so difficult to spot which is why vaccination is so important and unwell bunnies see the vet quickly.”

“There are many vectors that can transmit the disease from insects to migrating birds, contaminated hay or by wind, to ourselves moving it on our feet or persons having come into contact with it.”

“Prevention is always the best measure from vaccinated to ensuring you clean and disinfect food bowls, water bowls and limit the factors that could put your rabbits at risk.”

“There is a new vaccine due soon but sadly this new strain has been also seen in the Netherlands, France, Hungry and Northern Italy and with our location and it on either side it is so important we all do what we can to protect our rabbits.”

“If your rabbit does sadly contract or pass from RHVD2 please do contact the States Vet so they are aware [email protected] and ourselves [email protected] to warn islanders to heighten the care we all can give.”

“For lots more advice on rabbits do visit the RWAF website www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk “

“At the GSPCA we have an amazing area called Bunny Hop Hill where the rabbits have lots of space inside and out with a fabulous view.”

“We have also had to the increase capacity due to numbers of rabbits and last year opened our first ever Small Animal Department which is nearly entirely dedicated to rabbits and often has to find overflow space in other areas due to the numbers needing our help.”

“We now see more rabbits needing our help from cruelty to rehoming than dogs and cats combined at the GSPCA.”

“We often have 30 to 50 rabbits looking for homes at any one time compared to 1 or 2 dogs looking or 15 to 25 cats ready for homes and we can see up to 500 rabbits coming through our doors in one year for a variety of reasons from stray to sick and injured.”

“Sadly we still see rabbits bought on impulse for children as pets which can lead to them kept in tiny hutches, rarely exercised, socialised or cleaned which leads to a host of welfare issues.”

“Although we have the Animal Welfare Ordinance 2012 it does not control the breeding of animals in Guernsey means no control of numbers bred or kept and there is no control on the sale of those that are bred or unwanted.”

“The States of Guernsey passed some recent new legislation, but this does not cover our forgotten pets all be it the current legislation does provide them some protection, sadly it is often difficult to apply.”

“The States of Guernsey have recently pointed a new Animal Health & Welfare Officer to help investigate the animal welfare complaints in Guernsey and we have no doubt rabbits and other small domestic animals will be sadly a regular concern raised as they are to our welfare department here at the GSPCA.”

Seb Goman Senior Anima Care and Welfare Assistant said “Sadly we regularly visit rabbits whose welfare needs are not being met, which can include them not being vaccinated against diseases like RHVD.”

“The most common concerns are inappropriate diet, a lack of health care and grooming or that they are not being given the opportunity to simply ‘be rabbits’ and enjoy time out of their hutch in a run.”

“In most cases we can advise and support owners so they can improve the quality of life of their animals but there are situations where the best outcome is for the rabbit to be taken to the shelter for rehoming.”

“It is so important for owners to understand their legal responsibilities and Duty of Care.”

“All the information on how to keep a bunny happy and healthy is readily available on the GSPCA website, and our staff are always happy to help and advise if you’re not sure.”

Steve continued “There are of course many amazing rabbit owners and we meet so many that adopt those in need of homes at the GSPCA and go on to have incredible lives.”

“From adopting a rabbit to sponsoring those in our care through our Angel scheme via this leaflet http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf there are many ways to help our rabbit welfare work.”

“We also have a wish list of goodies we use for our bunnies so there are many ways to support there care and you can even pay for one of the new pens in the new Small Animal Department.”

“To donate to the build we have carried out and continue to add a few sections please vist https://giving.gg/donate/event/8046/Small-Animal-and-Rabbit-Build-Appeal .”

“For larger donors or corporates may want to make a larger donation and become an Exclusive Build Partner to support all our build projects and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner .”

Sponsor all or part of this much needed facility –

The complete Small Animal Department - £85,000

Flooring - £25,000

The intake and isolation area – £11,000

The main rabbit and guinea pig room - £22,000

The reptile room £8,000

The bird room - £8,000

The room for all other species - £11,000

Or

Each Intake or Isolation Cage - £650

Each Rabbit or Guinea Pig Pen - £1500

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager continued “Each year we often help over 500 rabbits and over 500 other small animals, birds and reptiles.”

“As mentioned we have seen a huge rise in unwanted and stray small animals in recent years and was the reason for the Small Animal Department.”

“The purpose built facilities for rabbits, small animals and reptiles in different rooms with an isolation and intake area are mostly completed but we still need your support for this much needed facility.”

“This is the first time we have a proper Small Animal Unit as they have often had to be housed in various areas around the Animal Shelter.”

“The whole project cost approximately £100,000 to help house the many of the small animals which previously were housed in buildings dating back to 1949, and which still need demolishing before we can build the Wildlife Hospital and we really need your support.”

“To donate online you can go to https://giving.gg/donate/event/8046/Small-Animal-and-Rabbit-Build-Appeal or larger donors or corporates may want to make a larger donation and become an Exclusive Build Partner and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner .”

“Maybe your business, you or your company would like to sponsor an animal pen or room which start from £650.”

“We also have our BIG BUILD with the next phase from the Wildlife Hospital to new Welfare Kennels and you can find out more by going to https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggest-build-appeal or why not get involved with the Dolphin Discovery Trail 2025 https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/year-puffin-parade-auction-could-you-or-your-business-sponsor-dolphin-dolphin-discovery-trail-2 .”

“To see our Wish List please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .“

“Maybe you’d like to help volunteer with the rabbits and other animals and to volunteer check out

http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”

“Any way you can help us help what are often to referred to as the forgotten pets is hugely appreciated.”

“With over 30 rabbits in need of homes, small mammals, birds and so many more please help us this Rabbit Awareness Week to build this much needed facility.”

To donate online https://giving.gg/donate/event/8046/Small-Animal-and-Rabbit-Build-Appeal

You can donate by calling 257261, post GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, GY6 8UD cheques payable to ‘GSPCA’ or popping into the Shelter or our Charity Shop in Smith Street.

Become an Exclusive Build Partner and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner

To see a short VT on our appeal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP6zv6jMap0

To see some of them when they are looking for homes please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/animals/dogs .

To complete an online adoption form please go to https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=23

To see some of the rabbits in need of homes please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals

It is a BIG year for the GSPCA as we look to the BIGGEST BUILD in our history and there are many ways to support from getting involved with the Skipton Swimarathon to the follow

• Donate to our work and animals care https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)
• Please support the new Wildlife Hospital to replace the current building as well as sponsors, donors and help in many other ways, please click here for more details https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggest-build-appeal
• Dolphin Discovery Trail 2025 https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/year-puffin-parade-auction-could-you-or-your-business-sponsor-dolphin-dolphin-discovery-trail-2

Steve continued “There are so many ways to get involved, for those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”

“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -

http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “

“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -

http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “

“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -

http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”

"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."

“We also have loads of ways to support us and to donate in this link including information on our BIGGEST BUILD appeal  https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years .”

“To see a list of the many events coming up check out those below or on any of our latest blogs https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog “

“We couldn’t do so much without your support.”

Donate

Donate by calling  01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

BIGGEST BUILD APPEAL

The GSPCA have the BIGGEST BUILD APPEAL in our 150 year history and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggest-build-appeal

GSPCA Celebrates 150 years in 2023 and 151 years in 2024

This year the GSPCA celebrate 150 into 151 years and to find out more please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years

Sponsored Event

Why not create your own sponsored event or challenge - https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

For lots more ideas why not visit our fundraising page www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising

Wish List

Check out our wish list page from the smallest of items to our biggest of projects there are many ways to support us - http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list

To visit our Amazon Wish list to see some of the items we need to help the wildlife please visit - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/25MJPPDAGXHL1?type=WishList

GSPCA Wildlife Hospital Appeal

To make a direct donation please visit - https://giving.gg/donate/event/4618/Please-Support-the-GSPCA-Wildlife-Hospital-Appeal

To Buy a Brick in the new Wildlife Hospital and download a leaflet please click here - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Buy%20a%20Brick%20Wildlife%20Hospital.pdf

Larger donors or corporates may want to make a larger donation and become an Exclusive Build Partner and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner

Legacies & Bequests

By leaving a gift to the GSPCA in your Will really helps us to improve the lives of animals into the future.  After providing for those you care for, please consider leaving a proportion of what remains to the GSPCA it is so appreciated and makes a real lasting legacy.

A gift like this to the GSPCA ensures our animals and those in Guernsey will always have someone to keep them safe. To find out more please http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding 

Gift Aid on Donations over £500

To find out about the States of Guernsey tax relief information on gift aid up to 2020 on donations totalling between £500 and £5000 please see the details by going to https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=2617&p=0

2021 gift aid is from £500 and up to £7500 and here are the details - https://www.gov.gg/article/151830/Income-tax-relief

To download the form to claim for 2020 or before please follow this link https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=1994&p=0

Become a sponsor and GSPCA member

Why become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor and support our work each month please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf

To become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf  

Share our posts and follow us on social media

Many of you will have seen us on social media and your support liking and sharing our posts is really appreciated, and to visit our social media pages please go to

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GuernseySPCA

Twitter https://twitter.com/GSPCA

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gspca-guernsey-965b0751/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gspca_guernsey/

Subscribe to our Supporters Newsletter

To subscribe to our supporters newsletter and find out about upcoming events and news please go to https://us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9324335c87c8b3ec9f0016f2a&id=e61c951a08

Below are our usual opening times but these are occasionally adjusted to ensure we provide the best of care for the animals and those needing our 24/7 help, in an emergency please call 01481 257261

Upcoming Events we are at and need your help -  

Wednesday 2nd to Sunday 6^th October 2024 - Skipton Swimarathon - https://www.swimarathon.org/

October Half Term Tours – to be confirmed

Tuesday 5th November 2024 630pm Volunteer Induction Evening https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers

Dog First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Tuesday 12th November 2024 - Ref - Dog 12/11 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses

Cat First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Tuesday 19th November 2024 - Ref - Cat 19/11 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses

Christmas Tours – to be confirmed

February 2025 Tours – to be confirmed

Easter 2025 Tours – to be confirmed

2025 – Dolphin Parade - https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/coming-guernsey-2025-dolphin-parade-thanks-gspca-autism-guernsey

Many more events will be added and dates to be confirmed and if you have any events or ideas to please get in touch…………..