Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV)

What is rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV)?

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a type of calicivirus that specifically attacks rabbits. The virus survives in the slim number of rabbits that survive, who then pass it along in their feces, urine, or respiratory secretions. RHDV has affected rabbits in Europe for decades and, since 2020, has maintained a steady disease status in the United States.

In 2010, a deadlier variant of the virus, RHDV2, was identified and has been reported throughout Europe, the United States, and western Canada. It is now considered endemic to the United States, as it has maintained a consistent rate of infection in the wild rabbit population. As of August 2024, RHDV has been found in all but 19 states within the continental United States, including Alaska.

What are the clinical signs of rabbit hemorrhagic disease?

Hemorrhaging (bleeding) from one or more body orifices is a common sign of the disease. Other signs are generally non-specific before death. Infected rabbits usually die within 12 to 36 hours of exposure. Fatality rates of 70%–100% have been reported.

What are the causes of RHDV?

RHDV is caused by exposure to the virus in a non-vaccinated rabbit. This exposure does not necessarily have to occur through direct contact. Any rabbit that survives the viral disease may pass the virus in its feces, urine, or respiratory secretions for up to two months.

In the environment, the virus may remain viable for several months and may be brought inside a pet rabbit’s home on dirt, leaves, flowers, or flying insects that have come in contact with an infected rabbit’s fur, feces. or urine. The incubation period (time from exposure to appearance of first clinical signs) ranges from three to five days.

How is rabbit hemorrhagic disease diagnosed?

Currently, the only way to confirm the disease is through necropsy (post-mortem examination) and specialized testing for viral RNA (genetic material) on submitted liver and/or spleen tissues. Any sign of hemorrhage from the nose, mouth, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract needs immediate veterinary attention.

Can rabbit hemorrhagic disease be treated?

There is no treatment other than supportive care with intravenous (IV) fluids and oral nutrition. Strict isolation measures must be followed to prevent exposure to other rabbits in the home, veterinary hospital/clinic, animal shelter, or rescue facility.

Is rabbit hemorrhagic disease preventable?

An RHVD2 vaccine is available in the United States, Canada, and Europe. This vaccine requires two doses administered three to four weeks apart for full protection against RHDV2. Both vaccines can only be ordered by a licensed veterinarian.

Current recommendations to prevent RHDV are to limit exposure of pet or breeder rabbits to feral domestic rabbits or wild hares and jackrabbits. If a rabbit is suspected to have RHDV, extreme care must be taken by rabbit owners, veterinary team members, shelter personnel, and handlers. Anyone near a rabbit with RHDV should wear protective clothing and discard that clothing before handling other rabbits. In areas where outbreaks are known, rabbits should not be allowed outside, even in an elevated hutch, as flies and biting insects can pass along the virus. Visit https://rabbit.org or https://aemv.org to find a rabbit veterinarian near you.