Pima Animal Care Center is urging owners of pet rabbits to get their outdoor-housed rabbits vaccinated against Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus now that the disease is appearing in rabbits locally.
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, also known as RHDV2, is an introduced virus causing rampant, swift death in domestic pet rabbits and wild rabbits in the U.S. and Europe.
“This is the third year that the virus has been detected in Southern Arizona but it’s the first time rabbits coming through PACC have tested positive,” said Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Jennifer Wilcox.
A group of 15 pet rabbits were recently surrendered to PACC. Despite rapid vaccination, all rabbits from this property died. RHDV causes fever, lethargy, hemorrhage, seizures, and acute death in rabbits. The incubation period is 1-3 days.
This disease is not contagious to other animals or humans. RHDV2 has been detected in pet rabbits, rabbit food and wild rabbit populations throughout the United States and Europe. Southern Arizona now lists the disease as “endemic,” meaning it can’t be eradicated.
The virus lasts for months in contaminated environments, even in extreme heat. It can be spread by any secretions of infected rabbits, plus via contaminated food, equipment, insects, native predators, and boots and other husbandry items.
Dr. Wilcox said the time to get your pet rabbit vaccinated is now.
“So far, the number of infected rabbits has been fairly small, but we want pet owners to take precautions, because this virus is deadly,” she said. “We have not seen any rabbits survive RHDV2. Ideally, all pet rabbits should be vaccinated twice and housed indoors.”
Monica Dangler said the disease is temporarily making an impact on operations.
“Right now, we aren’t able to take in rabbits due to RVDV2,” she said. “We are working swiftly on our vaccine protocol so that we can begin to take them in again.”
Rabbit owners in need of assistance should reach out to the PACC Pet Support Center for help.
“Bottom line is that all rabbit owners should get their pet vaccinated twice as soon as they can in order to prevent heartbreak,” Dangler said.
Select private exotic animal clinics have the ability to vaccinate pet rabbits for RVDV2. Cost will vary depending on location.