DEM
Advises Public of Fatal Disease Affecting Rabbits and Asks Residents to Report
Cases of Unusual Rabbit Mortality
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is
advising Rhode Islanders that a fatal disease affecting rabbits has been
detected in North America and is asking residents to report unusual cases of
rabbit mortality to DEM. Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is a highly contagious disease that affects both domestic and wild rabbits including hares, jackrabbits and cottontails.
The threatened New England Cottontail and commonly seen Eastern Cottontail are susceptible to infection and mortality from this disease.
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.
The RHDV2 virus is very resistant to extreme temperatures. It
can be spread through direct contact or from 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. However, RHDV2 does not impact human health and is not related to coronavirus.
People can spread the virus indirectly by carrying it on their clothing and shoes. However, RHDV2 does not impact human health and is not related to coronavirus.
A vaccine for RHDV2 is not currently available in the United
States.
Until a vaccine is available, the implementation of sound biosecurity measures is the only means to minimize risk of infection. Biosecurity means taking simple steps every day to keep germs and viruses away from your animals.
Until a vaccine is available, the implementation of sound biosecurity measures is the only means to minimize risk of infection. Biosecurity means taking simple steps every day to keep germs and viruses away from your animals.
Once RHDV2 infects a wild rabbit population it is very difficult
to manage or eliminate. It took less than two years for the disease to spread
across Australia to all of the country's states and territories in 2015-2016.
Residents who have observed unusual rabbit mortalities
consistent with the symptoms listed above or suspect that RHDV2 is affecting
local rabbits should report this information to RI State Veterinarian Scott
Marshall, DVM in DEM's Division of Agriculture/Animal Health at 401-222-2781 or
via email to scott.marshall@dem.ri.gov; Dylan Ferreira, Senior Wildlife
Biologist in DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife at 401-789-0281or by email to
dylan.ferreira@dem.ri.gov; or Sarah Riley, Implementation Aide in the Division
of Fish and Wildlife at 401-789-0281 or by email to sarah.riley@dem.ri.gov.
More information on RHDV2 and a list of recommended biosecurity
practices is available on DEM's website at
http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bnatres/fishwild/pdf/disease-rabbit-hemo.pdf
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.
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