As stated above, RHDV1 has been around since the 1980s but wasn’t identified in the U.S. until the 2000s only infecting wild rabbits. RHDV2 appeared in France in 2010 and was confirmed in North America in 2018. The biggest difference between the two is that RHDV2 has been confirmed to infect both wild AND domesticated rabbits in North America.

RHDV1 Facts:

• Incubation period: 2-10 Days

• Death Rate is high for rabbits exposed (40-100%)

RHVD2 Facts:

• Incubation period: 3-9 Days

• Death rate is high for rabbits exposed (5-80%)

Rabbits who are exposed and survive, are carriers and can spread the virus for a minimum of 42 days, if not longer. The California Department of Food & Agriculture has provided this information sheet about RHDV that also contains ways you can help protect your rabbits that you can download and print.

The USDA states that the RHDV2 virus is very resistant to extreme temperatures, it can be spread through direct contact or exposure to an infected rabbit’s excretions or blood. The virus can also survive and spread from carcasses, food, water, and any contaminated materials. While it does not impact human health, humans can spread the virus indirectly by carrying it on their clothing and shoes. 

According to House Rabbit Society, rabbits can contract the virus and not show any symptoms whatsoever. But with those that do show symptoms, they may include:

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy

• High fever

• Seizures

• Bleeding from nose, mouth, or rectum

• Difficulty breathing

• Sudden death

Sadly, this virus is known as a swift and sudden killer with little to no warning. If your rabbit’s sudden death is suspicious, please report it to your veterinarian as a possible case of RHDV2.

Vaccines for RHDV2 are generally available in countries where the disease is regularly found (called endemic).

Previously there was only a RHDV2 vaccine in Europe as it has been regularly found there for a longer period of time. But, as of September 27, 2021 a new U.S. vaccine has received emergency use authorization. 

The California Department of Food & Agriculture stated: 

"SACRAMENTO, March 2, 2023 – Medgene Labs (Brookings, SD) received Emergency Use authorization from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) for their experimental vaccine for prevention of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus serotype 2 (RHDV2). The new vaccine is a killed recombinant vaccine which is authorized as a two-dose series, with the second dose given 21 days after the first. Rabbit owners should contact their private veterinarian if they are interested in vaccination for RHD. Veterinarians may contact Medgene Labs at info@medgenelabs.com for information about obtaining RHD vaccine."

Click here to view a detailed list of California counties affected domestic vs wild and the date on which it was discovered. 

Read more about the Medgene Labs, the company who is developed the vaccine for the prevention of RHDV2, along with a list of the 45 states, including Washington D.C., that are currently able to distribute the vaccine. 

You can also read through the House Rabbit Society's FAQ on the vaccine.

It's important that you consult your veterinarian and discuss if using the vaccine is the right decision for your rabbit(s).

While the statements on how long it can stay within the environment are mixed, the USDA has stated, “The virus can remain stable for 3 months when dried, but exposed RHDV typically doesn’t persist in excretions on surroundings longer than a few weeks and grows less viable over time.”

The risk is very low of your rabbits contracting the RHDV2 from the hay you purchase from a trusted producer. 

While RHDV2 can be transmitted via non-living objects (known as fomite) like hay, it would require a combination of unique events to occur for hay to become a carrier. This includes an infected animal traveling through the hay field during a time when specific environmental conditions are in place which supported the stability of the virus.

It is also important to note that when you purchase from a trusted manufacturer, there are quality and safety measures in place that will help mitigate the risk of transmission.

• Keep your rabbit’s cage or hutch indoors, decreasing the risk of them coming into contact with something outdoors.

• If you can’t keep your rabbit’s hutch or cage indoors, invest in protective fencing and continue to monitor them for any disturbances.

• When it comes to the inside and outside of your rabbit’s cage or hutch, practice good cleaning and sanitation measures.

• Remember to wash your hands thoroughly before handling your rabbits.

• Immediately after handling or coming in contact with other rabbits, change your clothes and wash your hands.

• Refrain from having bunny time with other rabbits, this will keep your rabbit safe from the possibility of coming into to physical contact with other rabbits. 

• Don’t touch any dead wild rabbits that you may see in your local area. If you see multiple dead rabbits, report it to your state wildlife officials. 

• If you volunteer at a shelter in an area with an outbreak, have special clothes and shoes you wear only when working at the shelter.

• Consider adopting a “no shoes” in the house policy. 

For statements regarding RHDV vaccinations and biosecurity measures by state, click here.

Looking to join a community of rabbit owners dedicate to watching RHDV2 and see more up-to-date information on a case by case basis? Join the Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease News Network on Facebook.