RHDV2 is a highly contagious and deadly virus that affects both domestic and wild rabbits and hares. Spreading throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Canada since March 2020, RHDV2 has now, for the first time, been confirmed within the state of Iowa. As such, bun parents should take necessary precautions to keep their buns safe and healthy, as well as prevent the further spread of this terrible disease.
What exactly is RHDV2?
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The Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type-2 (RHDV2) is a disease that is caused by a calicivirus. The disease is highly infectious and fatal, with a 90% mortality rate.
How does RHDV2 spread?
The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected rabbits, or indirectly through contamination with secretions or excretions of infected animals. This can be spread through contaminated food, water, insects, other animals, shoes, clothing, or other equipment.
What is the incubation period of the virus?
The typical incubation period is 1-5 days, but can be up to 9 days.
Are there any warning signs in rabbits?
Often there are no outward signs of illness before death. However, bleeding from the nose and mouth, fever lethargy and seizures, among others, may be symptoms.
What is the mortality rate?
The mortality rate is 90% for infected rabbits and hares.
Is there a cure for RHDV2?
There is no known cure for RHDV2.
How can I protect my rabbit from RHDV2?With a 90% mortality rate and no known cure, it's very important that families with bunnies take the following precautions:
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Can I or my other non-bunny pets catch RHDV2?
No! RHDV2 only affects rabbits. However, humans, other animals, and insects can spread the virus. Because of this, extra bio security measures should be taken for households with non-rabbit pets who share time indoors and outdoors, such as washing paws after outdoor walks or setting up a separate play-place for your bun(s).
I adopted a rabbit from A Home for EveryBunny. Are they vaccinated against RHDV2?
Possibly! If you adopted your rabbit from us before 2022, then no, they are not vaccinated.
If you adopted in 2022, there is a chance they've received their first vaccinations. We've been working to vaccinate as many bunnies as we can, but not every rabbit adopted out has received their RHDV2 vaccinations. To know for sure, please email our director, Diana, and she will let you know if your rabbit was vaccinated and if so, when. You'll need to follow up with vaccinations yearly for continued protection against RHDV2. Contact your vet and ask them if they offer them.
If you adopted in 2022, there is a chance they've received their first vaccinations. We've been working to vaccinate as many bunnies as we can, but not every rabbit adopted out has received their RHDV2 vaccinations. To know for sure, please email our director, Diana, and she will let you know if your rabbit was vaccinated and if so, when. You'll need to follow up with vaccinations yearly for continued protection against RHDV2. Contact your vet and ask them if they offer them.
How do I get my rabbit vaccinated?
Contact your vet and ask if they are offering vaccinations. If not, you can fill out the form below to sign up for a vaccine clinic offered through one of our veterinary partners.
What vets in Iowa offer RHDV2 vaccinations?
This is certainly not an exhaustive list and we'll try to update it as things change, but as of August 2022, here are the vets we partner with that are offering RHDV2 vaccinations:
You can also check this national database of vets offering the RHDV2 vaccine in the US.
- Animal Family Veterinary Care Center in Davenport, IA
- Animal Kingdom Veterinary Care Center in North Liberty, IA
- Animal Doctors Veterinary Clinic in West Des Moines, IA
You can also check this national database of vets offering the RHDV2 vaccine in the US.
Are all of the rabbits you have available for adoption vaccinated?
While it will eventually be our policy that every rabbit we adopt out will be vaccinated against RHDV2, we are still working towards that goal. If you have other rabbits in your home already and are concerned about bringing an unvaccinated rabbit into your family, please let your adoption coordinator know so that we can match you with bunnies who are.
Should I vaccinate my current rabbit(s) before adopting a new rabbit?
We recommend that all rabbits get vaccinated against RHDV2. If your current rabbit isn't vaccinated, we recommend doing at least one of the following:
- Get your rabbit(s) vaccinated before adopting a new rabbit.
- Making sure the rabbit you're adopting is vaccinated before bringing them home.
- Having a 14 day quarantine of a new rabbit, taking very careful bio security measures in the meantime.
What should I do if my rabbit dies suddenly?
If your rabbit dies suddenly while being otherwise healthy, it's possible that they were infected with RHDV2. To protect other rabbits and contain the virus, it's important to take the following steps if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation:
- Contact your state's agriculture department. In Iowa, you'll need to report an animal disease here. They'll most likely want to test your rabbit, so do not bury it or dispose of the body. Wait for further instructions from the state.
- Contact us and let us know
- Take bio security measures to protect other rabbits in your home.
More information on RHDV2
Want to learn more about RHDV2? Check out these resources:
