Rabbit virus circulating again across Arizona

Arizona Game and Fish Department sent this bulletin at 07/07/2026 04:21 PM MST

July 7, 2026

Rabbit virus circulating again across Arizona

Hunters urged to remove rabbit carcasses from the field to limit the spread of the virus

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) advises small game hunters that the Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 (RHDV-2) first observed in Arizona in spring 2020 is making another widespread appearance this year. Our native lagomorphs (cottontails and black-tailed and antelope jackrabbits) suffered large population declines when they were exposed to the virus, particularly in 2020 and 2021, and though cottontail numbers appear to be increasing in several locations, jackrabbit numbers, particularly for antelope jacks, still appear to be significantly depressed when compared to pre-virus numbers. Low numbers of surviving individuals in some areas, coupled with drought conditions that have persisted across Arizona during the last several years means jackrabbit recovery has been very slow.

RHDV-2 is highly contagious among lagomorphs and is spread by physical contact with bodily fluids, fecal material, and even remains. While the meat is safe for human consumption, AZGFD encourages hunters to remove carcasses from the field for proper disposal to minimize the spread of the virus. RHDV-2 is not known to affect other animals, but predators, scavengers, and unsuspecting animals who investigate carcasses can easily spread the virus and infect unexposed lagomorphs.

“Since lagomorphs are a primary prey base for almost all carnivores and raptors, we want to minimize the spread of RHDV-2 and give our rabbits and jacks a fighting chance to rebound,” said Dr. Larisa Harding, the department’s small game program manager. “If hunters harvest a lagomorph, removing the remains and disposing of them in a landfill helps to limit the spread of RHDV-2 on the landscape.”

Within Arizona, RHDV-2 has recently been detected again. AZGFD continues to investigate unusual mortalities of wildlife and asks that reports be made to the Wildlife Health Program (cwd@AZGFD.gov) and Radio Room (623-236-7201). For more information, visit www.azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/wildlife-diseases/.

Arizona hunters can still harvest cottontails and jackrabbits year-round. Cottontails have a daily bag limit of five animals, with a possession of no more than 15, while collectively only two jackrabbits (of either species) may be harvested in one day and no more than six may be in possession. A valid Arizona hunting or combination hunt and fish license is required for all hunters 10 and older. Those hunters under 10 must either have a valid hunting or combination hunt and fish license, or be accompanied by an adult who possesses a valid hunting or combination hunt and fish license. Licenses can be purchased online or at license dealers statewide.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department receives no general fund tax dollars. The majority of funding to manage more than 800 native wildlife species comes from Arizona's hunters and anglers.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, or disability in its programs and activities. This agency receives Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including its employment practices, the individual may file a complaint alleging discrimination directly with the AGFD Ombudsman, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086, (623) 236-7373 or Office of Civil Rights, Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.

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