What is Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus?
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease is a serious and often fatal disease caused by a highly contagious virus that only affects rabbits. Until recently (2020), it was believed to only affect European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), but an outbreak in the Southwest United States confirmed RHDV causes deaths in wild species (cottontails, snowshoe hares, jackrabbits) as well.
Common clinical signs / symptoms include:
- Fever
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Groaning
- Blood spots in the eyes
- Frothy and bloody discharge from the nose
- Neurological signs, including difficulty walking, paddling of the legs, seizures and paralysis
- Sudden death
RHDV is often a very swift and sudden killer, giving little warning. Rabbits may die without showing any symptoms at all. Any sudden rabbit death is suspicious and should be reported to your veterinarian as a possible case of RHDV.
There is currently no cure for this disease. Vaccinating your rabbits and keeping a clean environment is vital to prevent the spread.
How is RHDV transmitted and spread?
RHD is caused by a highly contagious virus.
It is spread between rabbits through direct contact with infected saliva, runny nose and eyes, urine, manure, blood and infected fur or carcasses. It can also be spread by infected objects, like food, bedding, water and cages. People can also easily spread the virus on their hands, clothing and footwear after being in contact with infected rabbits. The virus can be spread by car tires after travelling through an area where infected rabbits have been.
The virus can also be brought in from other areas or countries through infected live rabbits or items, such as rabbit meat, pelts and Angora rabbit wool. While meat from rabbits infected with RHD is not known to cause illness in humans, the handling and movement of their meat can contribute to the spread of the virus. Since the virus is very resistant in the environment and survives temperature extremes, including freezing, anyone handling rabbits or rabbit meat is strongly encouraged to follow good hygiene practices (e.g. wash hands and cook meat thoroughly).
Government of Canada – Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) fact sheet