Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease: Virus Affecting Bunnies Detected in Utah

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food has confirmed that a positive case of rabbit hemorrhagic disease has been confirmed in Sanpete County. The illness affecting rabbits is said to be highly contagious and fatal.

According to the department, there are two types of RHD. RHDVa (or RHDV1) only affects domestic rabbits. On the other hand, RHDV2 can infect jackrabbits, hares, cottontail rabbits, and domesticated rabbits. Additionally, RHDV2 can also affect wild rabbits, but not humans or other animals.

Amanda Price, Utah's assistant state veterinarian, advises Utah rabbit owners to protect their pets by observing good biosecurity. She advises owners to change their clothes before handling their pets, especially if they've been around other rabbits.

Additionally, she suggests keeping rabbits off the ground and inside their hutches. Price also says to keep an eye out for other wild rabbits, rodents, and other animals. Make sure they stay away from their pet rabbits and their food.

Also Read: Cottontail Rabbit in South America Has Many Different Species, Researchers Claim

What is RHDV2?

According to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the only signs of the illness seen in rabbits are sudden death and blood- stained noses brought about by internal bleeding. Additionally, infected rabbits may also develop a fever, show respiratory or nervous signs, and be hesitant to eat.

In February 2020, RHDV2 was discovered in a domestic rabbit in New York City. The virus was expeditiously identified, isolated, and eliminated.

The RHDV2 virus is defiant to extreme temperatures. It can be easily spread through exposure or direct contact with an infected rabbit's blood or droppings. The virus can also survive and spread from food, water, carcasses, and other contaminated objects.

Furthermore, people can spread the virus indirectly by transporting it through their clothing and shoes.

RHDV2 has been spreading across northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. Officials have said that it generally kills about 80 percent to 100 percent of animals that are infected. In the majority of its cases, signs of the illness are not apparent, and the animal simply dies within six to 24 hours.

Is There a Vaccine for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease?

Good news, yes, there is. According to the House Rabbit Society, a vaccine is required annually to continue protection against RHDV. Vaccination is predicted to be effective for most rabbits.

Although a vaccine won't guarantee 100 percent prevention from Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, vaccinated rabbits will most likely survive when exposed to RHDV.

Furthermore, veterinarians suggest taking biosecurity measures to ensure that rabbits are protected even with the presence of a vaccine.

RHDV2 immunity is obtained seven days after the administration of the vaccine. In the U.S., there are two vaccines available for the virus as of 2020. Eravac is aimed at the RHDV2, while Filavac aims to protect against both RHDV1 and RHDV2.

Another new vaccine called Nobiviac Myxo-RHD Plus fights against RHDV1, RHDV2, and Myxomatosis. However, it is currently not eligible for import to the U.S. due to the Myxomatosis it contains.

Myxomatosis is another highly contagious and fatal viral disease seen in rabbits. Moreover, it would require evaluation under the National Environmental Policy Act.