Also Belgian rabbits are affected by the rabbit hemorrhagic disease type 2 virus.

Since 2016, an extensive spread of RHDV2, a virus variant of the classical rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is ongoing in the Belgian rabbit population. Both variants of the virus usually cause acute death without prior symptoms. Vaccination against both variants of the virus is possible. In Belgium, only a vaccine protecting against the classical RHDV has been registered. On their own responsibility, veterinarians are allowed to import a vaccine protecting against RHDV2 that is registered in another EU member state, in accordance with the so-called legislative waterfall-system. The current epidemiological situation warrants preventive vaccination of rabbits against RHD. It should be noted that myxomatosis is currently rather neglected in view of the increased attention for the RHDV2 spread. Myxomatosis also still causes a high mortality in both wild and domesticated rabbits. Veterinarians should correctly inform the public about the two important viral diseases in rabbits and the possibilities for prevention.