Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is a fatal, highly infectious disease caused by a Calicivirus. This virus can infect both domestic (pet) rabbits and wild rabbits. Multiple types of this virus have been identified, however the one associated with the most recent outbreaks in the United States involves Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus serotype 2 (RHDV2). This non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA calicivirus targets the liver destroying the cells within the liver. This leads to severe liver damage and dysfunction. One of the important functions of the liver is to produce clotting factors that prevent the development of bruising and bleeding.
RHDV2 is a highly resistant virus, meaning it can linger in the environment for an extended period of time, up to 100 days in some cases. It is resistant to many disinfectants, heat, and cold. While direct contact with an infected rabbit or its droppings easily spreads this virus, it can also be spread by flies and other insects or even by people on their hands, clothing, or shoes.
Once infected, rabbits begin to show symptoms within 1 to 5 days. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, depression, decreased energy, decreased or loss of appetite, loss of coordination, abnormal walking, seizure-like activity, increased respiratory effort and rate, weight loss, and gastrointestinal signs such as decreased fecal output or diarrhea. As the disease progresses, bruising and bleeding can be seen within the whites of the eyes, eyelids, and nostrils. Patients may also exhibit yellowing (jaundice) of the skin, ears, and whites of the eyes. This virus is rapidly fatal with a fatality rate of up to 90% of infected rabbits.
Medical problems that may mimic RHDV2 include trauma (bruising) and any condition resulting in lethargy and appetite loss, gastrointestinal stasis, primary respiratory disease, and other causes of liver disease.
RHDV2 is a reportable disease. That means if your veterinarian suspects this condition, they must contact your state veterinarian who will then direct the next steps in testing.
There is no specific treatment for this virus, treatment is aimed at attempting to support the rabbit through the illness with fluid therapy, pain control, liver support medications, and assist feeding. In cases where clotting disorders develop, plasma or blood transfusions may be necessary. However, owners need to be aware that the overall prognosis is very poor. Those that do survive will continue to be contagious for several weeks to months.
RHDV2 carries a poor prognosis with a mortality rate of 50-90%. Those that do survive remain contagious to other rabbits for weeks to months.
Vaccination is available to protect rabbits from contracting this virus and immunity to the virus is noted within 7 days of the vaccine. Vaccination needs to be boostered on a regular basis to maintain immunity, your veterinarian can discuss with you the recommended vaccine schedule. To schedule a vaccination appointment for your rabbit give us a call or click here.
Housing your rabbit indoors can also decrease the risk of exposure to insects that might be carrying the virus. Definitely minimize insects entering your home. Avoid contact with other people’s rabbits or wash up and change your shoes and clothes once returning home if visiting places where you might have been exposed to other rabbits (feed stores, rescues, humane society, fairgrounds, etc.). It can also help to wash your hands and do not share equipment between rabbits within your household if they are housed separately. When you get a new rabbit, quarantine them away from your current rabbits for at least 30 to 40 days. Disinfectants can be used to clean contaminated surfaces such as bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water), Virkon, Rescue, Parvasol, and Peroxiguard.
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