Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Detected in California

 

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is a serious disease in rabbits that has been detected in California.  RHD is not a food safety concern and the disease holds no risk to humans.  All rabbit owners and veterinarians are advised to learn about RHD and how to protect rabbits.

As of February 2021, RHD has been detected in both wild and domestic rabbit populations throughout Los Angeles County.  See an updated list of California counties where RHD has been confirmed here. 

Update: As of October 2021, a U.S. manufactured RHD vaccine is now available for distribution in California and other states on this list.  The vaccine is a 2 dose series, spaced 21 days apart, and then boostered once a year thereafter.  A rabbit is considered to be 'protected' from RHD 14 days after the second dose.  The U.S. vaccine is considered safe for rabbits at least 28 days old.  More information about this vaccine is available on the manufacturer's website here.  Check with your veterinarian to see if they offer this vaccine for your rabbit.  For both vaccinated and unvaccinated rabbits, it is still very important to practice good biosecurity and to learn how to protect your rabbit from the virus.  

Notice of Quarantine - As of May 12, 2020 - No rabbit, hare, or their product (meat, pelts, hides, carcasses, etc.) or equipment used to process rabbits may enter California from states or counties where RHD has been diagnosed within the previous year.

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease - California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Frequently Asked Questions - CDFA

Quick Facts about Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease - California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)

Keeping Your Rabbit Safe From Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease - Biosecurity Recommendations - CDFA

How To Keep Your Clinic and Patients Safe from Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease - CDFA

General Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection of RHDV Contaminated Premises - USDA

Guia general para la limpieza y desinfeccion de instalaciones contaminadas con el virus de la enfermedad hemorragica de los conejos (RHDV) - USDA

Deadly Disease Detected in California Wild Rabbits For the First Time - CDFW

Notice of Required Action Pursuant to Quarantine - CDFA

Interactive Map - RHDV2 Affected Counties - United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

RHDV2 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions - USDA

 

When was RHD first detected in California?

The first case of RHD was confirmed on May 13, 2020 when the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) identified a wild jackrabbit in Palm Springs, one of 10 that had died, that tested positive for the virus. The virus has also been found in wild and domestic rabbits in New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, Texas and Mexico since March 2020.

 

What is RHD?

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease can be caused by two different, related viruses, RHDV1 and RHDV2.  The current outbreak is due to the RHDV2 virus.  It is highly contagious and affects rabbits, both domesticated and wild.  Of rabbits that are exposed to the virus, almost all die.

 

How can rabbits get RHD?

Rabbits can catch the virus by inhalation, ingestion, or by absorption through scrapes and wounds.  It can be transmitted by direct contact with an infected rabbit or by contact with an object, person, clothing, or equipment that has encountered an affected rabbit.  Rabbits are also able to catch the virus through consumption of contaminated water or food.  Insects can spread the virus over long distances.

 

What symptoms do rabbits have with RHD?

Many times rabbits do not show signs before suddenly dying.  If they do show signs, they may show fever, inappetance, lethargy, muscle spasms, breathing difficulties, blue colored lips, or bleeding from the mouth and nose.  It can take between 1-5 days from the time a rabbit is exposed to the virus before it develops symptoms.  

 

Can humans catch RHD?

RHD does not affect humans or domestic animals other than rabbits.

 

How can I prevent RHD?

The most important way to prevent the disease is to take precautions to prevent exposing your rabbits to the virus.

1. If rabbits are housed outside, house them off the ground when possible.  Do not use material from outside  for food or bedding.

2. Wild rabbits.  Do not allow wild rabbits to come into your yard and try to prevent dogs, cats, birds, and other animals from bringing rabbit carcasses onto your property.  If you do find deceased rabbits, contact the health department.

3. Do not spread on your hands or clothing.  After handling a rabbit, wash your hands.  Avoid handling rabbits that are not yours.  Before handling rabbits in different locations, change clothes and shoes as well as wash your hands.  Ensure that everyone who visits your rabbits washes their hands thoroughly before touching your rabbits and wears protective clothing such as coveralls, shoes covers, hair covers and gloves.

4. Avoid borrowing equipment.  If you need to borrow equipment or if you buy used equipment, thoroughly scrub with a 10% bleach and water solution (1 part bleach, 9 parts water), leaving it to soak for at least 10 minutes before rinsing and letting dry.

5. Do not add new rabbits.  If you must, make sure they are kept in a separate housing area.  Do not use the same equipment for the new and old rabbits.   

6. If you find a deceased rabbit, report it to Veterinary Public Health at 213-288-7060 or email this reporting form to vet@ph.lacounty.gov.  Double-bag the body, spray the outside of each bag with diluted bleach (1 part bleach, 9 parts water), and then dispose of the bag into an outdoor garbage receptacle.  Wash your hands thoroughly and change clothes or disinfect all clothing/footwear/equipment used before handling other rabbits.  For additional instructions, click here. 

Is there a vaccine for RHD?

As of October 2021, a U.S. manufactured RHDV vaccine (Medgene) is now available for distribution in California and other states on this list. 

• The Medgene vaccine is a 2 dose series, spaced 21 days apart and then boostered once a year thereafter

• The vaccine is considered effective and a rabbit is considered 'protected' from RHD 14 days after the second dose

• The U.S. vaccine is considered safe for rabbits at 28 days old and older

• As protection from the vaccine is not immediate and is not 100% effective against infection, it is very important to keep both vaccinated and unvaccinated rabbits safe from RHDV with strict preventive measures (see above for 'How can I prevent RHD?').

• More information about this vaccine is available on the manufacturer's website here

• Check with your veterinarian to see if they offer this vaccine for your rabbit.

• Veterinarians that were assigned import permits by USDA/CDFA for the international RHD vaccines (Filavac, Eravac) may still import vaccines until their permit expires

 

Where can I get my rabbit vaccinated for RHD?

Contact your primary veterinarian first to see if their veterinary clinic carries the RHD vaccine.  A brief listing of vet clinics that may carry the RHD vaccine can be found here.  *Please note that this list is provided as a starting point to aid in connecting rabbit owners to veterinarians that offer the RHD vaccine.  This list is not complete and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health does not endorse any individual clinic, veterinarian, or rescue listed.

 

How can I report a potential RHD rabbit?

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease is a reportable condition in Los Angeles County as well as in California and in the United States, in general.

To report a case in Los Angeles County:

• Call 213-288-7060 and ask to speak to the veterinarian on duty (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm), or

• Complete the reporting form here and email to vet@ph.lacounty.gov or fax to 213-481-2375

To report a case outside of Los Angeles County:

• For domestic rabbits/feral domestic rabbits - Call CDFA at 909-947-4462

• For wild rabbits - Call CDFW at 916-358-2790

 

For More Information:

Regulatory Diseases of Concern in Rabbits - CDFA

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease In the United States - USDA

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Factsheet - USDA

List O: Disinfectants For Use Against RHDV2 - USDA

 

To stay up to date on emerging animal health issues, veterinary professionals are encouraged to join the Animal Health Alert Network (AHAN) to receive updates and alerts via email.  Complete the online form here or fill out the form by hand and email it to vet@ph.lacounty.gov.

 

Last updated: October 27, 2021