National Park Service rangers warn tourists not to touch any dead rabbits at Dinosaur National Monument in Utah. Park rangers said on Wednesday, April 6, that visitors might see more dead rabbits than usual in the park because the rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHDV2) is spreading.
The highly contagious virus could infect both pets and wild rabbits and is deadly for them. Officials said that RHDV2 was first detected in wild cottontail rabbits inside the park in Uintah County. Visitors of the park are also advised to stay away from any dead or sick rabbits they may find.
Utah Park Warns Highly Contagious, Lethal Virus Spreading Among Pet and Wild Rabbits
Large Numbers of Dead Rabbits Recorded Since March
Dan Johnson, the spokesperson for Dinosaur National Monument, said that the effect of the virus on rabbits is brutal and deadly as it often ends up in a bloody foam at the mouth.
Park rangers first observed the large numbers of dead rabbits in March and they immediately released the news of confirmed cases, NBC News reported. France confirmed its first case of RHDV2 in 2010 and since then it has spread across different continents, including Europe, and Australia.
Meanwhile, the National Wildlife Health Center of the U.S. Geological Survey said in its report that North America also recorded RHDV2 cases. The US had its first confirmed case in April 2020 when outbreaks were recorded in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas while northern Mexico also confirmed an RHDV2 in the same year.
Before the recent outbreak, Johnson and park rangers were warned last year of the possible transmission of the deadly virus that easily spreads among rabbit populations.
Although it does not pose any health risk to humans or dogs, humans can carry the virus via their clothes and objects and easily spread it to their pet rabbits. Additionally, people are discouraged from keeping themselves and their pets near dead or sick rabbits because it can also be a sign of tularemia or plague that may cause serious illness.
Park rangers added that there is reason to believe that the virus could become serious in the US. They encourage people to take photos when encountering dead rabbits and immediately contact rangers who will use special protective equipment to handle the rabbit's carcass.
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What Rabbit Owners Should Know About the RHDV2
RHDV2 is highly contagious that is deadly in both pet and wild rabbits. It was first detected in 2020 in the US and has quickly spread. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, RHDV2 is resistant to temperatures and spread through direct contact or exposure to an infected rabbit.
Moreover, there is a possibility that the virus could survive and spread from the rabbit's blood and carcass, food, water, and any contaminated object. People can help spread the virus via their clothes and shoes.
To protect pet rabbits from the deadly virus, experts strongly recommend getting them vaccinated immediately. The vaccine was released in January 2022 and is proven safe and effective. Other methods also include the following:
- Do not allow pet rabbits to have contact with infected rabbits
- Do not allow visitors near rabbits or handle them
- Always wash hands before and after entering the rabbit area
- Use separate equipment for newly acquired rabbits
- Sanitize all equipment and cages
RELATED ARTICLE: Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 Explained: Deadly Virus Disease Found for the First Time in a Wild Rabbit in Oregon
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