A PETERSFIELD vet is warning rabbit owners they need to get their pets vaccinated as soon as possible after a deadly virus was identified in East Hampshire.

Rachel Clay, of the Archway Veterinary Practice in St Peter’s Road, says there has been a confirmed outbreak of the fatal disease, rabbit viral haemorrhagic (RVHD2), in Petersfield and the surrounding areas.

Vaccinations for a similar earlier virus, RVHD1, are not effective against this new strain.

She added there is a very effective vaccine against this “swift and silent killer,” which has no obvious symptoms or outward sign of disease, and can kill rabbits in a day or so.

Rachel is urging rabbit owners to have their pets immunised as soon as they can.

For more information contact the practice on 01730 262101.