Your rabbit's health is our utmost priority. We want to share vital information and the latest tips to help you and your rabbits avoid the recent outbreak of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV). Vigilance and strict preventative hygiene are paramount to keeping your furry friend safe.
Understanding RHDV and Primary Symptoms
RHDV is a highly contagious disease that affects both domestic and wild rabbits. Since transmission can occur between wild and pet populations, it is **critically important to not expose** your domestic rabbit to any rabbits from outside your home. If you fear your rabbit might be infected, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Symptoms of RHDV to Watch For:
- Lethargy or sudden loss of energy.
- High fever.
- Loss of appetite.
- Difficulty breathing (Dyspnea).
- Bleeding from the mouth, nose, or rectum.
Symptoms typically appear quickly (within 1 to 10 days) and death can be sudden. This disease generally affects rabbits older than eight weeks of age. While the disease causes high mortality in rabbits, it cannot be spread to humans or other non-rodent pets like dogs or cats. The current outbreak has been primarily seen in the Southwestern United States.
Prevention and Safety Protocols
Due to the high transmissibility of RHDV, prevention is key. Food, bedding, and water can theoretically be sources of the virus if contaminated by viral particles from infected droppings, tissue, or even carried mechanically by flies into your rabbit’s environment.
As a precaution, you may want to consider avoiding feed items sourced from regions where infected wild rabbits have been confirmed. We ensure our manufacturing processes adhere to the highest standards, matching those used for human food production (SQF certified), and our hay products are not sourced from regions with known cases.
Hygiene Measures for Rabbit Owners:
Proper care and hygiene are strongly recommended to break the chain of transmission:
- Keep your pets away from all other rabbits, both wild and other people’s pets.
- Limit your rabbit’s outdoor activity if you live in one of the affected regions.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after spending time with your pets or handling their cage.
- Sanitize cages a minimum of once weekly: wash first with soap and water, and then sanitize with a diluted bleach solution (1 part household bleach to 10 parts water).
- Ensure your rabbit is removed from the area during cleaning, and the cage is thoroughly dry before they return.
Unfortunately, there are currently no universally approved vaccines available, making strict prevention the single most important action you can take to keep your rabbit safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the risk of RHDV to humans or other pets?
RHDV affects only rabbits (domestic and wild). The disease cannot spread to humans or non-rodent pets, such as dogs or cats. However, rabbit owners should still practice caution to avoid carrying the virus on clothing or footwear.
What is the first step if my rabbit shows RHDV symptoms?
You must contact your veterinarian immediately. RHDV is a rapid and often fatal disease, and prompt medical consultation is critical.
How do I effectively sanitize a rabbit cage against the virus?
After cleaning the cage with soap and water, sanitize using a diluted bleach solution: 1 part household bleach to 10 parts water. Ensure the rabbit is removed and the cage is completely dry before they are returned.
Is there a widely available vaccine for RHDV?
At the time of writing, RHDV vaccines are not universally approved or available in all regions. Therefore, strict preventative measures (hygiene, isolation) are the most important method of protection.