After the recent confirmation of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Serotype 2 (RHDV2) in Minnesota, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is reminding everyone who works with or cares for rabbits to enhance their biosecurity measures.
According to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, two indoor rabbits were confirmed with the disease earlier this month. It's the first time RHDV2 has been found in Minnesota, and the disease has been confirmed in 15 states total. RHDV2 has not been detected in Wisconsin.
RHDV2 is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domesticated and wild rabbits. Although fatal to rabbits, the disease does not affect humans. Because the virus continues to spread, DATCP encourages rabbit owners to reduce the risk of introduction by taking extra precautions when moving rabbits to fairs/shows, buying equipment, handling rabbits that aren’t their own, introducing new rabbits to their household, and when keeping their animals outdoors. This virus can survive for a long time on surfaces and in the environment, so it is especially important to review your biosecurity measures.
Often, the only signs of RHDV2 are sudden death and blood-stained noses caused by internal bleeding. Infected rabbits experience fever, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing or seizures. A vaccine is currently not licensed in the United States, but vaccines licensed in Europe could be approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for use in affected states.
While the disease has not affected Wisconsin animals, DATCP recommends that shelters and rabbit owners follow these biosecurity practices from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Find more on biosecurity best practices, and continue to watch DATCP's RHDV2 webpage for updates.
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