Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 (RHDV-2) is a dangerous virus that affects rabbits and can cause them to get very sick or die. It spreads easily from one rabbit to another through contact or by being in an area where the virus is. The virus is tough—it can live for months, even in hot or cold weather, and it’s hard to clean away.

The original version of this virus, called RHDV, was first found in China in 1984 and mainly affected pet rabbits. But recently, a new version, RHDV-2, has spread to many places around the world, including the United States. This new type can make both pet and wild rabbits sick, including different types of rabbits like jackrabbits and cottontails. A vaccine for the old version doesn't work for RHDV-2.

RHDV is spread when rabbits come in contact with infected urine, poop, saliva, or eye secretions. It can also spread through hair, or by direct contact with sick or dead rabbits. . It can also spread from things like dirty shoes, clothing, or flies that touch infected rabbits and then land on healthy ones. Even predators can spread the virus in their poop.

RHDV-2 can make rabbits sick in 3 to 5 days, and they might spread the virus before showing symptoms. The virus is very contagious (spreads easily), and rabbits  get very sick and/or die suddenly.

RHDV-2 attacks a rabbit’s liver, which helps with blood clotting, gets damaged, making it hard for the rabbit to stop bleeding. The rabbit bleeds inside its body, like the lungs and heart.

Symptoms of RHDV-2:

• Tiredness/fatigue

• Fever (over 104F)

• Yellowing of the ears and/or eyes

• Trouble standing, shaking, and/or staring at the ceiling

• Irregular heartbeat

• Nosebleeds

• Sudden death with no other visible signals

Unfortunately, there is no cure for RHDV-2, but vets may give supportive care like fluids or feeding the rabbit by hand. In some cases, a blood transfusion can help with clotting. If a rabbit recovers, it can still spread the virus for months. The virus will eventually go away on its own, but it can stay in the rabbit's body for a while. It eventually clears from their body.

Right now, the USA has approved the use of the Medgene vaccine (two dose vaccine) for RHDV-2. Some other countries already use a vaccine (eravac, filavac) to protect their rabbits, but it is not available everywhere.

To keep your pet rabbit safe from RHDV-2, make sure they get vaccinated! If they can't get vaccinated because they are sick, old, or for other reasons, don’t let them go outside. After gardening or being outside, change your clothes and shoes, and clean everything if you've been in a place where the virus is.

If you see dead wild rabbits, tell local wildlife officials. Also, always wash your hands and clean your shoes to stop the virus from spreading.

Article Sources:

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease

A Review on the Methods Used for the Detection and Diagnosis of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) - PMC

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Map Application | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Kanfer’s Answers - RHDV-2