RHDV2 Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 Vaccinations
We have the vaccines in stock!
RHDV2 is a very serious disease that is spreading in the United States. It is extremely contagious and very easily transmittable. The disease attacks quickly and the mortality rate is very, very high. Even inside, house-only buns are susceptible. It is vital that you vaccinate your rabbit(s). Please read the informational links provided below. Take all precautions until your bun is vaccinated.
If you are a current client, you should call the office to schedule an appointment. You will need to schedule the booster shot approximately three weeks later.
If you are not a current client, we are accepting new rabbit clients. You can call the office to schedule your welcome consultation and appointment with Dr. Brown. You can receive the first vaccine at that time. You will need to schedule the booster shot approximately three weeks later.
Dr. B has administered over 550 RHDV2 vaccines
From The USDA Website
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is a fatal disease in rabbits and is classified as a foreign animal disease in the United States. In February 2020, animal health officials detected rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus serotype 2 (RHDV2) for the third time in the United States, since 2018. Since that detection, RHDV2 has spread to multiple states across the Southwest. RHDV2 does not impact human health.
Cases of RHDV2 in North America
RHDV2 is highly contagious and, unlike other rabbit hemorrhagic disease viruses, it affects both domestic and wild rabbits. Many times, the only signs of the disease are sudden death and blood stained noses caused by internal bleeding. Infected rabbits may also develop a fever, be hesitant to eat, or show respiratory or nervous signs. In February 2020, RHDV2 was detected in a domestic rabbit in New York City. The virus was quickly identified, isolated and eradicated. There does not appear to be an epidemiological link, but the disease was later confirmed in a rabbit in New Mexico in March 2020. Since then, RHDV2 has continued to spread in New Mexico and across multiple states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, Ohio, Florida, and Georgia.
How RHDV2 Spreads
The RHDV2 virus is very resistant to extreme temperatures. It can be spread through direct contact or exposure to an infected rabbit’s excretions or blood. The virus can also survive and spread from carcasses, food, water, and any contaminated materials. People can spread the virus indirectly by carrying it on their clothing and shoes.
Protect Your Rabbits with Biosecurity
Until you can get your rabbits vaccinated, it is up to you as the owner to protect your rabbits by practicing good biosecurity. Biosecurity means taking simple steps every day to keep germs away from your animals. These actions will significantly reduce the chance of RHDV2 or other contagious diseases affecting your rabbits. Follow these recommended biosecurity practices:
• Do not allow pet or wild rabbits to have contact with your rabbits or gain entry to the facility or home.
• Do not allow visitors in rabbitries or let them handle pet rabbits without protective clothing (including coveralls, shoe covers, hair covering, and gloves).
• Always wash hands with warm soapy water before entering your rabbit area, after removing protective clothing and before leaving the rabbit area.
Helpful Websites:
Downloadable PDFs:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/fs-rhdv2.pdf
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/downloads/rhdv2.pdf