The first instance of a deadly and highly contagious rabbit disease in California was reported in Riverside County last week. Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2, or RHD2, killed a wild jackrabbit in Palm Springs, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While no other rabbit populations in California are known to be affected by the disease, it has spread quickly in other southwestern states and countries. Any unusual or sudden rabbit death should be reported immediately to a veterinarian. Infected rabbits may exhibit no symptoms before suddenly dying, or they may suffer fever, swelling, internal bleeding and liver failure. Do not touch a dead rabbit as the virus that causes the disease is easily shed and can live for up to eight months in the environment. Wildlife experts are concerned about how a massive die-off of rabbits would affect predators who depend on them for food. If you see a sick or dead rabbit, report it to the Department of Fish and Wildlife. More information is available below.
Dr. Sara Strongin, staff veterinarian for the Riverside County
Department of Animal Services issued guidelines for those who own domestic rabbits or who come into contact with wild hares:
• House rabbits should remain inside at all times to minimize
potential contact;
• Any sick or dead rabbits should be reported to state wildlife
officials and should NOT be touched;
• Any unusual illness or sudden rabbit deaths should be reported to
your veterinarian immediately;
• The virus is highly contagious and can be spread by direct contact
with infected animals and/or their urine/feces; can also be spread on
contaminated objects, insects, etc., therefore good hygiene practices are necessary — i.e. wash hands thoroughly before and after handling rabbits, thorough disinfection, leave shoes outside, insect control, etc.
• Know your hay/feed sources and if they are near areas affected by
the outbreak;
• Keep dogs on a leash when outside so they don’t interact with wild
rabbits; consider having dogs wear booties when outside, or wash their paws before they come inside. Keep dogs and rabbits in separate areas of your home.
Symptoms for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease include:
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• High fever
• Seizures
• Jaundice
• Bleeding from nose, mouth, or rectum
• Difficulty breathing
• Sudden death
CDFW officials noted that infected rabbits may exhibit no symptoms leading up to their sudden death.
The CDFW asks that anyone who lives, works or recreates in wild rabbit habitat to report any sightings of sick or dead rabbits to CDFW’s Wildlife Investigations Laboratory by calling 916-358-2790 or file an online mortality report.
You can learn more about the disease at Rabbit.org/rhdv/.
