Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2): What Rabbit Owners Should Know

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2): What Rabbit Owners Should Know

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, often abbreviated RHD or RHDV2, is one of the most serious viral diseases affecting domestic and wild rabbits worldwide.

When this article was originally written in 2018, the disease had just been reported in Ohio — alarmingly close to Hot Cross Buns. At that time, the virus was relatively new to the United States. Since then, RHDV2 has spread to multiple regions of the country, making it important for rabbit owners to understand the disease and how to protect their pets.

What Is Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease?

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease is a highly contagious viral illness that affects rabbits and hares.

The disease is caused by a virus in the calicivirus family and can spread rapidly among rabbit populations.

There are two known strains:

• RHDV1 – the original strain seen primarily in Europe and Asia
• RHDV2 – a newer strain that has spread worldwide and is now present in North America

RHDV2 is particularly concerning because it can infect younger rabbits and some species of wild rabbits as well.

Can Humans or Other Animals Get RHDV2?

No.

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease affects only rabbits and closely related species. It does not infect people, dogs, cats, or other common household pets.

However, humans and other animals can carry the virus on their clothing, shoes, or fur, which means the virus can still be accidentally brought into contact with a pet rabbit.

How RHDV2 Spreads

The virus spreads extremely easily and can survive for long periods in the environment.

Transmission can occur through:

• direct contact with infected rabbits
• contaminated clothing or shoes
• insects such as flies
• birds or rodents carrying contaminated material
• contaminated hay, bedding, or surfaces
• contact with wild rabbit droppings or urine

Because of how easily the virus spreads, rabbit owners should practice good hygiene and be mindful of where their rabbits are exposed.

Symptoms of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease

RHDV2 can progress very quickly, sometimes with few warning signs.

Possible symptoms include:

• sudden lethargy
• loss of appetite
• fever
• difficulty breathing
• bleeding from the nose or mouth
• sudden death

In some cases, rabbits may pass away before obvious symptoms are noticed.

Is There a Vaccine?

When this article was first written in 2018, vaccines were not available in the United States.

Today, vaccines for RHDV2 are now available in many states through rabbit-savvy veterinarians.

The vaccine typically involves:

• an initial vaccination
• a booster given a few weeks later
• annual boosters for continued protection

Rabbit owners who travel with their rabbits, attend rabbit shows, or allow outdoor playtime should strongly consider discussing vaccination with their veterinarian.

How We Protect Our Rabbits at Hot Cross Buns

At Hot Cross Buns we operate as a closed rabbitry, meaning we do not allow visitors inside the rabbits’ living areas.

This policy helps reduce the risk of introducing outside pathogens into the rabbitry.

We also avoid allowing our rabbits to play outdoors where they could encounter parasites or viruses carried by wild rabbits.

These precautions help protect the health of the rabbits in our care.

What Rabbit Owners Can Do

Rabbit owners can reduce the risk of exposure by taking a few simple precautions:

• wash hands before handling rabbits
• remove shoes worn outdoors before entering rabbit areas
• avoid contact between domestic rabbits and wild rabbits
• monitor rabbit health closely
• discuss vaccination options with a rabbit-savvy veterinarian

While RHDV2 is a serious disease, awareness and prevention go a long way in protecting our rabbits.

Staying Informed

Research and monitoring of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease are ongoing, and recommendations may evolve as new information becomes available.

We encourage rabbit owners to stay informed and work closely with experienced rabbit veterinarians to keep their rabbits safe and healthy.