|
Dear Acorn Clients,
As many of you are aware, there is a virus called RHDV2 (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease V2) that has been working its way toward the Sacramento area. The virus was first identified in 1984. RHDV2 found its way to the United States in 2018.
For several years this disease was thought to only affect domestic rabbit species, meaning outbreaks were rare and easily contained. However, it has been found in wild rabbit species (cottontails and jackrabbits) which means it will very likely spread throughout the continent in wild populations.
This is a very contagious virus that is fatal to rabbits. It is spread by direct contact, but also by contaminated clothing, housing, feed/hay, and by biting insects such as mosquitoes and flies. Often the only sign is sudden death. It does not affect other mammals including humans.
|
There is currently a vaccine available from the United States which has not yet been approved by the USDA but is available on an emergency basis. Since the virus has been found in the Sacramento area as of December 2021, there is a more urgent need to start protecting our client’s rabbits.
Please let us know if you are interested in vaccinating your rabbit by clicking this link.
|
 |
|
What is RDHV2?
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease is a highly contagious disease primarily attacking the liver. It exists in three forms:
- Peracute – Usually seen as sudden death with bloody discharge from the nose, mouth, or other orifices
- Acute – Rabbits are often found lying on their sides or depressed, not eating, with low-grade fever, watery eyes, and nose, and/or neurologic signs. If this stage progresses to death, it usually does so within about 12 hours.
- Subacute to Chronic – Symptoms are the same as acute but less severe initially; it may progress to jaundice, constipation, or mucus-covered diarrhea. Rabbits that die from this stage usually do so within 1-2 weeks.
|
How is RHDV2 spread?
The virus is highly contagious and can be spread by direct contact between rabbits, but more importantly, fomites (inanimate objects such as grass, clothing, hutches, shoes, etc.) can become contaminated with the virus and spread from one animal to another.
Meat and pelts from infected rabbits can also house the virus.
The virus can also be spread by biting insects such as mosquitoes and flies.
How can I keep my rabbits safe?
Vaccination: We would like to know how many of you, our rabbit owners, would be interested in vaccinating their rabbits against this devastating disease. The vaccine process requires a first vaccine followed by a second one 21 days later. There have been only minor side effects reported with the use of the vaccine.
 |
If there is enough interest, we will purchase the vaccine. |
In addition to vaccinating susceptible rabbits, keep good biosecurity – eliminate contact between your rabbits and any outside rabbits.
You should also:
- Clean and disinfect all hutches, dishes, bottles, and other items that contact your rabbits regularly
- Don’t allow your rabbits to play outside where wild bunnies may have been.
- If you or anyone in your house travels to a state where RHDV2 has been found, be sure to wash all clothing, shoes, and luggage before bringing it into the house or where your rabbits are sheltered
- Maintain a “closed herd.” Don’t bring new rabbits into your group, and if you take rabbits out to shows or other events, isolate them from the rest of the group upon return.
- Insect control – take steps to keep flies and mosquitoes away from your rabbits. Ask us about rabbit-safe flea control.
|
 |
What should I do if my rabbit looks sick?
Isolate the sick rabbit from any others and call us immediately for an appointment. RHDV2 can be diagnosed through a viral RNA test, and because of how quickly the disease can spread, it’s important to diagnose it as soon as possible to protect all other rabbits in our community. |
|
To learn more, we recommend these resources:
VIN News Service (Vaccine available in the US)
VIN News Service (Warning: article contains a graphic image)
TuftsNow
USDA
USDA Incidence Map
Please call us if you have any questions or concerns about your rabbit(s), as we would be happy to answer any questions!
Sincerely,
Your friends at Acorn Veterinary Clinic |
|
