A deadly and highly contagious rabbit disease, first reported in California in Palm Springs in May, has also been confirmed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to have killed a rabbit in Pioneertown. Managing editor Tami Roleff has more information about the rabbit hemorrhagic disease…
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2, or RHD2, killed a wild jackrabbit in the Pioneertown/Rimrock area about two weeks ago. The deadly and highly contagious rabbit disease was first reported in California in Palm Springs in early May. Infected rabbits may exhibit no symptoms before suddenly dying, or they may suffer fever, swelling, internal bleeding and liver failure. Any unusual or sudden rabbit death should be reported immediately to a veterinarian or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 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.
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=179037&inline
The CDFW asks that anyone who lives, works or recreates in wild rabbit habitat to report any sightings of sick or dead rabbits (especially cottontail rabbits) to CDFW’s Wildlife Investigations Laboratory by calling 916-358-2790 or file an online mortality report.
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.
You can learn more about the disease at Rabbit.org/rhdv/.
