Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus or calicivirus was released into the wild rabbit population by the Australian Government in 1996. Calicivirus is a fatal disease that infects the liver and the intestines of rabbits and causes severe bleeding. Other symptoms can include fever, lethargy and a reduced appetite. Calicivirus can survive in the environment for three to seven months and can be spread between rabbits by direct contact, contaminated foods or cages, insects and rodents. In additional to vaccination, other options to reduce the risk of exposure include keeping your rabbits indoors, preventing access of wild rabbit population, good hygiene and regular cleaning and insect control.