Rabbit owners are being urged to vaccinate their rabbits following the mass outbreak of a rare disease.

Viral haemorrhagic disease 2 (RVHD2) is a highly infectious disease which can kill in less than 24 hours.

The first cases of the diseases in the UK were confirmed in two dead hares found near Bridport in January.

Owners are now being urged to vaccinate their pets and, as luck would have it, veterinary practices and stores will be offering free rabbit health checks to mark this year’s Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) from June 1-9.

There are more than a million pet rabbits in the UK and Ireland, making rabbits the third most popular pet.

Thousands of veterinary practices will be offering free health checks to rabbits throughout the week of RAW to encourage rabbits to visit their nearest vet and get their bunnies vaccinated.

Research shows that preventative healthcare in rabbits is a major issue that needs addressing.

To find a full list of events in Dorset for Rabbit Awareness Week, visit rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk/find-a-raw-event/