Hi Macy. I can’t be sure but what I do know is that when they released calici in Australia, it didn’t achieve eradication of rabbits due to survival of the very young kittens. Therefore there’s a good chance they might be okay.

Hi Jo. I’m sorry to hear this – now that the virus is endemic it will cause periodic outbreaks like this and I suspect that your vets are right. I’m afraid steam will not sterilise adequately in the presence of household items and furnishings. It is in fact very difficult to remove it from a household environment; I would carefully clean and then wipe down all smooth surfaces with 10% bleach and wait six months, relying on regular household cleaning and time to do the job. If you are in Australia, it’s also worth knowing that we don’t have an effective vaccine. That’s thanks to the agricultural lobby.

Hi Louise. We aren’t seeing many cases of calicivirus in mainland Australia at present (2020) but it’s now endemic in the wild population so the risk will be consistent even if low. Therefore, although having an outdoor rabbit should be okay, things could change quickly based on the local rabbit population and we generally advise that rabbits live inside. This is especially because the current vaccination, although certainly recommended, offers insufficient protection against RHDV–2.

Thank you Andrew. i will put chooks in it instead.

Hi Gabby. I’m very sorry to hear that. The hutch should be reusable if you pressure clean it and then scrub it down with bleach. Though of course, it’s impossible to guarantee so you may feel better just throwing it away.