Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) Discovered in Pennsylvania Domestic Rabbits!
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Two captive rabbits, from a Fayette County facility, recently tested positive for
hemorrhagic Disease (RHD)
Outbreaks of the virus have been reported in domestic and wild rabbits across the U.S. At this time, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is considering what actions it might take to protect the wild hare and rabbit populations, now that RHD was discovered in the state.
Last year, the Game Commission established an RHD Management Plan, which contains strategies the agency may consider to protect the state’s wild rabbits and hares. Click here to review the plan
https://www.pgc.pa.gov/.../Rabbit-Hemorrhagic-Disease.aspx.
https://www.pgc.pa.gov/.../Rabbit-Hemorrhagic-Disease.aspx.RHD FAQs
Does the virus pose any risk to human health? No. However, the public should not handle or consume wildlife that appears sick or has died, from an unknown cause. Pets should also avoid coming in contact with or consuming wildlife carcasses.How can I help? Report any hare/rabbit mortality events [two or more dead rabbits/hares at the same location, with an unknown cause of death] to the Game Commission by calling 1-833-PGC-WILD or online at https://www.pgcapps.pa.gov/WHS.As a domestic rabbit owner, who can answer my RHD-related questions? Contact your veterinarian who can then contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Health at 717-772-2852, option 1, 24/7.How is the disease spread? From animal to animal in several ways, including direct animal-to-animal contact; ingestion of contaminated food or water; inhalation, and more. Do infected hares and rabbits immediately die the following infection? They often do, but those that do not may present with poor appetites, weakness, and blood coming from their mouths or noses.Can RHD be treated? There is no specific treatment for RHD and it is often fatal, with die-offs of local populations reaching potentially 75-100%. The virus is resilient and may remain on a landscape for months. More information about RHD can be found online:
