Our role

The state and territory member Societies provide services to animals in need through their shelters and inspectorates. In the national office, RSPCA Australia works to influence animal welfare policy, practice and legislation across the country
Go to Our role

Key issues

The RSPCA advocates for the welfare of animals across a number of industries, issues and platforms. Help from our supporters is important to progress change. Working together is key.
Go to Key issues
better than live export hero banner
Priority issue
On 1 July 2024, the Federal Government…
Live sheep export

Support us

Whether you're an individual or a business, there are multiple ways you can support the RSPCA
Go to Support us
An animal in the RSPCA care being cared for by an RSPCA vet
Donate now to support your local RSPCA and make a difference to animal welfare across Australia
Donate

About

The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.
Go to About
about us national statistics
Read our National Statistics
Compiled on a national basis by RSPCA…
Annual statistics

Adopt

By choosing adoption, you’ll not only have the chance to make a friend for life, but you’ll be giving an animal a second chance and helping support the RSPCA.
Go to Adopt
adopt a pet logo
Visit the Adopt A Pet website
Make a difference to a pet’s life today.
Search Adoptapet

Laboratory tests have confirmed on Monday evening that there is a strain of European Calicivirus in the ACT.  RSPCA ACT has been working with the ACT Government and vaccine manufacturers since late last week after a number of rabbits in their care died from what appeared to be calicivirus.

RSPCA ACT Director of Animal Welfare Jane Gregor stated, “After two of our baby rabbits died last week, we didn’t think much of it since they were more susceptible to diseases at that age.  However, once some unrelated adult rabbits also died that were vaccinated against the known strain of calcivirus, we became suspicious.”

It appears the current strain (RHDV2) was an accidental released from an European origin, but no one is sure how it was released.  RHDV2 has not been tested for vaccine efficacy yet. 

At the moment, RSPCA ACT has revaccinated all of its rabbits in care using the current vaccine hoping that a double dosage might be useful.  They have also referred any public vet appointments for rabbits to other vet clinics in the meantime.

Calicivirus is spread through fomites, such as clothing, the bottom of shoes, bedding, cages, feed, water, flies, rabbit fleas, or mosquitos. It is easily transferred through touch, which makes it nearly impossible to contain.  Ms Gregor explained the difficulty, “Even a bird walking through a contaminated area can spread it everywhere. In the meantime, we will continue to work with the vaccine companies to trial various drug regimes that may help fight the spread to further rabbits. We encourage others to do the same.” 

Individuals requiring more information about calicivirus should contact their local vet.  Disease control enquiries should be directed to the ACT Government veterinarian or Territory and Municipal Services.

subscribe box

Stay informed on big issues and how you can help improve animal welfare across Australia.

Subscribe today and we’ll keep you updated on all the latest campaigns, events and news.