A new strain of calicivirus, fatal to non-immune rabbits, will be released at 150 sites around the state from March 1, including 30 sites across western Victoria.

Kirkstall resident Debbie Howley, who worked as a veterinary nurse, has vaccinated her beloved bunny Jerry, but she’s concerned other rabbit owners aren’t aware of the need to protect their pets.

“I think this could do more damage because it’s new and a stronger strain to get the wild rabbits,” she said.

Mrs Howley said she was concerned because the virus can travel in the wind or be spread via fleas.

Jerry the rabbit has an elaborate hutch and an outdoor pen that allow him to explore while also him keeping safe.

The vaccination for the virus, also known as Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease, usually costs less than $100.

Mrs Howley said Jerry, who she’s had for nine years, had been a wonderful pet who frequently fell asleep in her arms.

She said people tended not to think about rabbits as long-term pets like cats and dogs, and weren’t aware of the need to vaccinate.

Pet rabbits can live for 10 years or more.

Warrnambool woman Bec Haughey said she paid $107 to vaccinate her two rabbits, one-year-old Archie and nine-month-old Indi.

She said they had been vaccinated against an earlier strain of the virus but she made sure they were protected against the new version too.

“I’d vaccinate my kids if I had any, so I vaccinated the bunnies,” Miss Haughey said.

She said Archie and Indi lived inside and were part of the family.

Victoria’s acting chief veterinary officer Dr Cameron Bell said up-to-date vaccinations could provide pet rabbits with good protection against the new calicivirus strain, RHDV1 K5.

The Australian Veterinary Association advised rabbit owners they can reduce risk by:

The campaign to control wild rabbits stems from their negative impact on native ecosystems and agriculture.