Amber Betts
Communications
A private veterinarian tested the rabbit, which was housed exclusively
indoors, after sudden deaths were reported. The premises is under quarantine
and has implemented biosecurity measures.
RHDV2 history in
Washington
In 2019, RHDV2 killed hundreds of feral domestic and
domestic rabbits in Island and Clallam counties. Before then, the disease was
designated as a foreign animal disease (FAD). If FADs are detected, there are a
number of restrictions and emergency rules put into effect. Because of that
outbreak, the virus is now considered stable-endemic, which means it already
exists in the environment. Since the outbreak three years ago, 15 additional
states have reported detections in either wild or
domestic rabbits. As of April 2022,
RHDV2 has been confirmed in wild and domestic rabbits in nearly 20 states
nationwide.
Because the disease now exists generally in the environment,
there won’t be any additional restrictions or rules set into place with this
detection.
Vaccine available
Late last year the state vet’s office authorized the emergency
use of a vaccine for RHDV2, which is now available to all Washington veterinarians.
The vaccine has been shown to be protective against RHDV2. The vaccine must be
administered by a Washington licensed veterinarian.
State Veterinarian Dr. Amber Itle is calling all rabbit
owners to ask their veterinarians about the vaccine and to have their rabbits
vaccinated as soon as possible. Due to the contagious and extremely infectious
nature of this virus, vaccination is critical for disease control to protect
our domestic and wild rabbit populations alike.
“Remember to observe good biosecurity practices in addition
to vaccinating your bunnies. Be sure to isolate new additions for
three weeks before commingling them with your colony and avoid contact with
domestic and wild rabbits,” she said.
Veterinarians who would like to order the vaccine should
contact Medgene labs
directly at 605-697-2600.
For more information on RHDV2, biosecurity, and prevention, please visit WSDA’s Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease webpage.