The sudden death of a wild rabbit in Greenville has prompted an alert from animal health officials. The deceased animal was tested in Columbia and diagnosed with rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 (RHDV2), according to the Clemson University Veterinary Diagnostic Center. The diagnosis was confirmed by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS). This is the first time RHDV2 has been detected in South Carolina, according to the center. Rabbits that survived at the site have been quarantined, officials said, and animal health officials are asking owners to house them in sheds to prevent further spread and prevent contact with wild rabbits. RHDV2 has a mortality rate of more than 70%. Our goal at this time is to see what can be done to prevent the virus from spreading through wild rabbit populations and possibly further infecting domestic rabbits. Viruses include sudden death, loss of appetite, lethargy, conjunctivitis, respiratory symptoms, and bloodstains in the nose and mouth. The virus is shed by infected rabbits and is transmitted through direct contact, bedding, water, feed, hay, and other materials used to care for and feed rabbits. It can also be spread by contact with insects or humans. RHDV2 does not affect human health, but it is endemic in the western United States, with a high fatality rate in domestic and wild rabbits, Neault said. His introduction of RHDV2 into wild rabbits in South Carolina poses a serious threat to wild populations, causing significant mortality in the western United States. It’s important that we do what we can to prevent contact between infected wild rabbits and wild rabbits,” said Will Dillman, assistant chief of wildlife at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.USDA , recommends the following biosecurity practices: contact with rabbits and jackrabbits, access to facilities and homes. Do not allow visitors into rabbit farms or handle pet rabbits without protective clothing (including coveralls, shoe covers, hair covers, and gloves). Always wash your hands with warm, soapy water before entering the rabbit area, after removing protective clothing, and before leaving the rabbit area. Do not introduce new rabbits from unknown or untrusted sources. Do not add rabbits to rabbitries from animal shelters or other types of rescue operations. If you bring an outside rabbit into your facility or home, keep it away from existing rabbits for at least 30 days. Use separate equipment for newly acquired or sick rabbits to avoid spreading disease. All equipment and cages moved on and off the premises are disinfected before being returned to the rabbit farm. We recommend disinfecting with 10% bleach or 10% sodium hydroxide mixed with water (follow cleaning label instructions). Work with veterinarians to review disease prevention and containment practices (biosecurity) to reduce risk to healthy rabbits. If your rabbit becomes sick or dies and you suspect RHDV2, contact your veterinarian.
The sudden death of a wild rabbit in Greenville has prompted an alert from animal health officials.
The deceased animal was tested in Columbia and diagnosed with rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 (RHDV2), according to the Clemson University Veterinary Diagnostic Center.
The diagnosis was confirmed by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS).
This is the first time RHDV2 has been detected in South Carolina, according to the center.
Authorities say any surviving rabbits at the site are being quarantined, and animal health officials are keeping the rabbits in kennels to prevent further spread and prevent contact with wild rabbits. I am asking someone
“RHDV2 has a mortality rate of over 70%. Our goal at this time is to do what we can to prevent the virus from spreading to wild rabbit populations and potentially infecting domesticated rabbits further.
Clinical symptoms of the virus include sudden death, anorexia, lethargy, conjunctivitis, respiratory symptoms, and bloodstains in the nose and mouth.
RHDV2 is a highly contagious calicivirus that infects domestic rabbits, wild or wild rabbits and hares. The virus is shed by infected rabbits and is transmitted through direct contact, bedding, water, feed, hay, and other materials used to care for and feed rabbits. It can also be spread by contact with insects or humans.
RHDV2 does not affect human health, but it is endemic in the western United States, with a high fatality rate in domestic and wild rabbits, Neault said. No live testing of RHDV2.
“The introduction of RHDV2 into wild rabbits in South Carolina poses a serious threat to wild populations and is causing significant mortality in the western United States. It’s important to do what we can to prevent this,” said Will Dillman, assistant chief of wildlife for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
USDA recommends the following biosecurity measures:
- Do not let your rabbits or jack rabbits come into contact with rabbits or enter facilities or homes.
- Do not allow visitors into rabbit farms or handle pet rabbits without protective clothing (including coveralls, shoe covers, hair covers, and gloves).
- Always wash your hands with warm, soapy water before entering the rabbit area, after removing protective clothing, and before leaving the rabbit area.
- Do not introduce new rabbits from unknown or untrusted sources. Do not add rabbits to rabbitries from animal shelters or other types of rescue operations.
- If you bring an outside rabbit into your facility or home, keep it away from existing rabbits for at least 30 days. Use separate equipment for newly acquired or sick rabbits to avoid spreading disease.
- All equipment and cages moved on and off the premises are disinfected before being returned to the rabbit farm. We recommend disinfecting with 10% bleach or 10% sodium hydroxide mixed with water (follow cleaning label instructions).
- Work with veterinarians to review disease prevention and containment practices (biosecurity) to reduce risk to healthy rabbits.
If your rabbit becomes sick or dies and you suspect RHDV2, contact your veterinarian.
