Pet owners need to act now to ensure their rabbits are protected, he said.
PETstock Hastings manager Craig Olsen said his store encouraged anyone purchasing a rabbit to get them vaccinated at a vet.
"Talking with breeders recently, it's something that everyone is concerned about.
"The virus is pretty easily transmitted.
"It's not a virus that just affects wild rabbits, every rabbit is susceptible."
All rabbits need a vaccination before 12 weeks, a booster at 12 weeks and then another every year.
Anna Priest, who used to run Rabbit Rescue Hawke's Bay, said it was important for owners to keep their pet rabbits up to date with vaccinations and, if possible, to keep them inside so they did not come into contact with the virus.
Mr Leckie said the virus was already widespread in New Zealand but this new strain may overcome resistance to the old disease.
RHDV1 only causes infection in the European rabbit which is designated a pest in Hawke's Bay.
Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research data states that no other animal has developed an infection from being exposed to RHDV1.
Prevention measures
In addition to vaccination, the NZ Veterinary Association also recommends the following biosecurity measures for pet rabbit owners:
• Control insects (especially flies and fleas) as much as possible both indoors and outdoors. Flies are the main vector through which the virus is spread.
• Remove uneaten food on a daily basis.
• Keep your pet rabbit indoors where possible.
• Rabbit-proof your backyard to prevent access by wild rabbits.
• Regularly decontaminate equipment and materials (e.g. cages, hutches, bowls) with either 10 per cent bleach or 10 per cent sodium hydroxide. 10 minutes contact time is required, then rinse off.
• Limit contact with and handling of unfamiliar pet rabbits.
• Use good biosecurity measures (e.g. wash hands, shoes, clothing) after handling other people's rabbits.
• Avoid cutting grass and feeding it to your rabbits if there is the risk of contamination from wild rabbits.
