What is Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV)?

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) is a deadly disease that infects rabbits. It's a virus that affects the liver and blood vessels and can remain in the environment for up to 3.5 months. It is capable of surviving both freezing and very hot temperatures.

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History 

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The original strain emerged in China in 1984, with a second strain called RDHV2 found in France in 2010 and which has continued to spread throughout Europe, the US, Western Canada, Ghana, Tunisia and Nigeria.

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• Through direct contact with an infected rabbit, their poop or other bodily fluids.
• Through contaminated items such as bedding and clothes.
• Although it does not affect other animals, they can carry it on their feet, coats etc. if they have been in contact with an infected rabbit.
• RHDV2 is also not zoonotic, meaning it can’t be transmitted to humans. 

What happens if my rabbit gets RHDV2? 

• Once a rabbit catches RHDV2 they will more than likely show signs within 1-9 days.
• There is no cure for this disease.
• Treatment involves providing supportive care for the affected rabbit.
• Rabbits that are lucky enough to survive RHDV2, will continue to shed the virus for at least 42 days if not longer.
• It is very difficult to detect the disease early on as signs can start suddenly and progress to death very quickly.

Symptoms:

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• Fever

• Shortness of breath

• Loss of appetite

• Listlessness

• Neurological signs such paddling, seizures, and paralysis

• Jaundice

• Blood spots in eyes

• Sudden death

• Bleeding from nose at time of death. 

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How can I keep my bunny safe?  

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Preventative measures that are recommended for owners to implement, especially if you are in an area where an outbreak has arisen.

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• Keep rabbits indoors.

• Wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before and after interacting with rabbits.

• Change clothes after being outside and leave shoes at the entrance of your home.

• Clean and disinfect cages regularly as well as any bowls or toys.

• Avoid interacting with rabbits with an unknown history. 

• Quarantine any new rabbits in your home for 60 days and keep their items away from other rabbits in the household. 

• Avoid bringing plant material inside. 

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The most effective disinfectants are:

• Bleach (1:10 dilution)
• Potassium peroxymonosulfate (Virkon)
• F1p
• Accelerated hydrogen peroxide (Prevail, Accel, and Peroxigard).

Note that common household cleaners will NOT kill the virus.

There are currently no vaccines in South Africa.