Texas Standard: Virus is killing Texas Rabbits ( 5/8/2020 ) 30 dead rabbits were found near Fort Bliss and their tissue samples were sent to the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab in College Station, confirming RHD2. This is part of a much larger outbreak – the biggest one ever documented in North America, and still spreading. With confirmed cases throughout West Texas, as well as in the Panhandle, and the Texas Animal Health Commission confirmed cases in domestic rabbits in two central Texas counties: Lampasas and Hamilton. In just a couple months, RHD has also been found in northern Mexico, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and Colorado.
NY: Covid and RHD2 (3/16/20) Another exotics specialty hospital in Manhattan contacted the state animal health officials after eleven rabbits under their treatment died suddenly. Two of these rabbits displayed symptoms of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 (RHDV2), a rare disease. RHDV2 is not a risk to humans or public health, and it does not affect other animals besides rabbits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets are working hard to make sure that the virus does not spread. While there is no vaccine to prevent RHDV2 in the U.S., to decrease your rabbit’s chances of contracting it:
Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap, especially before and after visiting your rabbit area.
Clean and sanitize all cages and equipment.
Do not share any equipment with other rabbit owners.
If you get a new rabbit, make sure to quarantine it for at least ten days before introducing it to your rabbitry.V
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