This article was written by Stephanie Crossley Johnson
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Information Sheet - for Pet Rabbit Guardians
What is Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease?
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is caused by a virus in the calicivirus family. RHD was first reported in B.C. in February 2018 in
the Nanaimo area of Vancouver Island. Follow-up laboratory work identified an RHD virus. Since then, the disease was confirmed
in BC in 2018 and 2019 (limited to the Island and Lower Mainland) in feral European or domestic rabbits. In 2020, a different strain
of RHD began spreading rapidly across the United States and Mexico. In addition to domestic rabbits, this strain can also infect wild
rabbits, such as cottontails. RHD has not yet been reported in BC in 2021, but was recently reported in AB. Pet rabbits are at risk. RHD
is a serious and extremely contagious disease with high mortality rates. Most infected rabbits will die. The disease does not affect
humans or other species including dogs and cats. The virus can persist in the environment for several weeks and may survive both
heat and freezing.
How does RHD virus spread?
RHD virus spreads easily between rabbits through direct contact with bedding,
feed and water as well as feces and body fluids. It can also spread between areas
through contaminated materials (food, bedding, water, surfaces, human clothing/
hands, vehicles), dead rabbits, insects and wildlife (flies, birds, mammals) that have
contacted or fed on infected rabbits.
What are the symptoms of RHD?
The virus causes hemorrhages by affecting the blood vessels and attacks the liver and
other organs. Most affected rabbits die suddenly, but can show signs of listlessness,
lack of co-ordination, behavioural changes, or trouble breathing before death. There
is often bleeding from the nose at the time of death. Once infected, signs of illness
usually occur within 1-9 days.
How can I protect my pet rabbit?
• Minimize exposure to the virus
o Limit human visitors who have been in areas where the disease was reported and avoid your travel to these areas.
o Avoid taking your rabbit to shows/fairs or introducing any new rabbits into your home.
o Ask visitors to remove footwear before entering your home and wash their hands before handling your rabbit.
o Use designated clean clothing (washed and dried in a dryer) that has not been outside when caring for your rabbit.
o Clean and disinfect any rabbit supplies entering your home (see below).
o Use only high-quality commercial feed from manufacturers with good quality control.
o Don’t use wild plants or vegetables or grass grown in areas accessed by feral rabbits or other wildlife, as food.
o Remove or tightly secure anything outside (feed, garbage) that could attract feral rabbits, wildlife, or flies.
o Exercise rabbits outdoors only in secured areas with no possibility of contamination.
o Do not allow cats or dogs who go outside to potentially contaminated areas to access your rabbit’s housing area.
• Monitoring and prevention
o Vaccinate your rabbit. Ask your vet about vaccines available to BC veterinarians on a special government permit.
o Monitor your rabbit daily for signs of illness and contact your veterinarian immediately with any concerns.
How do I clean and disinfect rabbit supplies?
Feeding and housing supplies should be cleaned with soap and water, and then disinfected
with a disinfectant that is effective against caliciviruses following manufacturer instructions.
Most household cleaners are not effective against this type of virus. Disinfectants considered
effective include: bleach (1:10 dilution), potassium peroxymonosulfate (Virkon), accelerated
hydrogen peroxide (Prevail, Accel, and Peroxigard). The latter disinfectants are more userfriendly than bleach and may be obtained from your veterinarian.
Who do I contact with questions?
Contact your local veterinarian with questions about
your rabbit. If you find a dead rabbit or rabbits outside,
do not handle the rabbit(s), and contact your local
animal control. Veterinarians and shelters have access
to additional professional resources and support.
For more information, visit www.spca.bc.ca/rhd.
No comments:
Post a Comment