Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Serotype 2 is a highly contagious and fatal disease of domestic rabbits and wild rabbits. This is a foreign animal disease (FAD) and is of high concern at the state and federal levels. The recent involvement of wild cottontails and hares is of particular concern.
Clinical signs: Often the only signs of the disease are sudden death and possibly blood-stained noses caused by internal bleeding. Infected rabbits may also develop a fever, be hesitant to eat, or show respiratory or nervous signs. Many of the rabbits confirmed with RHDV2 recently in Arizona and New Mexico have shown no clinical signs or gross pathology other than sudden death.
Transmission: RHDV2 can be spread through contact with infected rabbits, their meat or their fur, or materials coming in contact with them. Scavengers and birds may play an important role in indirect transmission of the RHD virus.
Prevention: The Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office has provided approval for Colorado licensed veterinarians to procure and administer Medgene Labs Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 (RHDV2).
Rabbit owners should reach out directly to their veterinarian for more information regarding getting their rabbits vaccinated.
Colorado licensed veterinarians can order the vaccine by contacting Medgene Labs at 605-697-2600. Additional information about the vaccine, including FAQs, can be found at: https://medgenelabs.com/rhdv2/
Reporting of rabbit illnesses or deaths:
- Owners: Rabbit owners who have questions about the disease should contact their veterinarian.
- Domestic: Veterinarians and owners must report suspected RHDV2 cases in domestic rabbits to the State Veterinarian’s Office at 303-869-9130.
- Testing Information: Veterinarians and rabbit owners who are interested in testing for RHDV2 should follow the link to the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory or call (970) 297-1281.
- Wildlife: To report suspect cases (sick or dead wild rabbits, hares, or pika), contact your local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office.
Click on the county below to see the number of confirmed RHD cases in that county
*07/08/2020 Please note color code changes below for consistency
Guidelines for Wild Cottontails, Hares, and Pika:
- Do not handle rabbit or rodent carcasses.
- Do not allow pets or scavengers to feed on found carcasses. Though RHDV-2 is not a risk to pets, a number of other pathogens and parasites from carcasses can affect pets.
- Do not handle or consume rabbits or other game animals that appear to be sick. Instead, report these cases to the nearest CPW office.
- Meat from healthy rabbits harvested by hunters is safe to consume when cooked thoroughly.
Guidelines for Domestic Rabbits:
- Veterinarians and owners must report suspected RHDV2 cases in domestic rabbits to the State Veterinarian’s Office at 303-869-9130.
- Rabbit owners should exercise extreme caution and biosecurity to avoid accidental exposure of domestic rabbits through contaminated feed, bedding, equipment, or clothing that may have come in contact from infected wild rabbits or birds that could transfer the virus from infected wild rabbits.
- Domestic rabbits should not be housed outdoors in areas where rabbit hemorrhagic disease has been detected in wild rabbits.
- Contact your veterinarian for more information about this disease in domestic rabbits.
Additional Resources:
Medgene Labs RHDV2 Vaccine Announcement
Cleaning and Disinfecting for RHDV2
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Biosecurity Recommendations
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease FAQs
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease - Fairs, Shows, and Exhibitions
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease - USDA
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease - CFSPh
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease - OIE
RHDV Emerging Risk Notice_10-19
USDA RHDV2 Cleaning & Disinfection Guidance