When was RHDV2 discovered?

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.

What is the RHDV2?

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Serotype 2 is a highly contagious and fatal disease of domestic rabbits and wild rabbits. This is a foreign animal disease (FAD) and is of high concern at the state and federal levels.

What is killing wild rabbits?

A new deadly virus, rabbit hemorrhagic disease, is killing thousands of wild rabbits in the US. A deadly virus is spreading across the southwestern United States and killing wild rabbits on this continent for the first time, wildlife officials say.

Is RHDV in Oregon?

​​Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, also referred to as RHD or RHDV, is a fatal viral infection in rabbits. RHDV Type 2 (RHDV2) was identified in a feral domestic rabbit colony in the Milwaukie, Oregon area on Tuesday, March 23, 2021.

Is RHDV2 in Australia?

RHDV2 – no vaccine is available in Australia that specifically protects against RHDV2. However, a modified vaccination protocol may provide some protection and thus it is still essential that all rabbits are vaccinated and precautions are taken to help to prevent infection (see below).

What states are RHDV2 in?

RHDV2 has been confirmed in DOMESTIC RABBITS in all states with wild cases as well as Tennessee, New York, Kentucky, Mississippi, Minnesota, South Dakota, Georgia, and Florida.

How long can a rabbit live with RHDV2?

Rabbits are not normally observed sick prior to death but sick rabbits may be lethargic and reluctant to move. Infected rabbits die within 1 day to 2 weeks after becoming infected.

How do rabbits get RHDV2?

RHDV2 is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected rabbits or indirectly through contact with infected carcasses, blood, urine, and feces. In domestic rabbits the virus can also be spread on contaminated surfaces such as cages, feed, water, and bedding.

Is RHDV2 in New York?

RHDV2 is a reportable disease in New York. Sick or dead domestic rabbits should be reported to the State Veterinarian’s office at 518-457-3502 or to the USDA at 866-536-7593.

Do wild rabbits carry disease Australia?

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is caused by the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), a type of calicivirus which is fatal in non-immune rabbits. There are currently three pathogenic strains of this virus in wild rabbit populations in Australia.

Is myxomatosis still used in Australia?

There are two vaccinations against myxomatosis, however these are not available in Australia. Thus the only way to prevent infection is to protect your pet rabbits from biting insects such as fleas and mosquitoes.