RABBIT HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE VIRUS 2 (RHDV2) –
BRIEF FACT SHEET
From Zooh Corner Rabbit Rescue
WHAT IS RHDV2?
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) is a highly contagious disease caused by a calicivirus. It infects domesticated rabbits, as well as wild cottontails, jack rabbits and hares. RHDV2 was confirmed in California in May 2020.
Symptoms may include:
- Sudden death (no symptoms)
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Bleeding from nose, mouth, or rectum
RHDV2 is generally a sudden killer, giving little or no warning. It is common for rabbits to die without showing any symptoms. Any sudden rabbit death is suspicious and should be reported to your veterinarian immediately.
HOW IS RHDV2 TRANSMITTED
It can be spread through direct contact or exposure to an infected rabbit’s excretions or blood. The virus can also survive and spread from carcasses, food, water, and any contaminated materials. People can spread the virus indirectly by carrying it on their clothing and shoes.
If you see dead wild rabbits or hares contact your state wildlife agency: https://www.fws.gov/offices/statelinks.html and notify your personal vet.
PRACTICE SAFE BIOSECURITY
Until rabbits are vaccinated it is advised to keep them indoors, or allow them ONLY in areas that are fully enclosed where no wildlife can enter. *Disinfect (see below) outside areas where you walk and make sure your shoes are safe/clean/disinfected/changed before entering enclosed outside area. Incubation period 3-9 days
- Quarantine any new rabbits minimum 10 days (two weeks is always suggested)
- Can last 105 days in the environment
- Survives high temperatures; survives low temperatures
- Can be spread rabbit to rabbit, biting insects, birds, rodents, wild animals, fur or vehicles; brought in on feet or clothes
DISINFECTING
Cleaning your shoes with disinfectant – or wearing different shoes, or no shoes, inside the house is advised. Disinfecting equipment that has been in contact with other rabbits is a must.
The only disinfectants effective against RHDV2 are: Bleach (1 part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water), Virkon S (diluted to 2%), and Rescue (per directions). The latter two can be purchased on Amazon.
MORE INFORMATION HERE
RABBIT HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE NEWS NETWORK
NORTH AMERICANS RHDV2 FACEBOOK GROUP
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