What is Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease?
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV or RHD) is a highly contagious disease caused by a calicivirus that affects rabbits. Until 2020, it had not been known to affect North American native rabbits. In February of 2021, the first cases of RHDV were positively diagnosed in Yellowstone County. The disease affects both domestic and wild rabbits however, the first cases detected in Yellowstone County were domestic rabbits previously-released into the wild.Can I get it? What about my dogs or cats?
The virus does not affect humans or other domestic animals, but it can be transmitted by humans or other animals to rabbits.How is it treated? Is there a vaccine?
There is no treatment for infected rabbits. There is also no commercially available vaccine licensed for use in the United States. However, states with confirmed cases can request approval to import vaccines from overseas for limited use in domestic rabbits within the state. As of February 2021, YVAS Veterinarian is taking lead on importing and distributing the vaccine to veterinary clinics in Billings. YVAS will release information when there are vaccines available to the public in Montana.How can I protect my pet rabbits?
To protect your pet rabbits take the following precautions:- Keep your rabbit indoors with no outdoor playtime and no playtime with other rabbits from outside your home.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling rabbits
- After contact with other rabbits, change your clothes and wash them twice
- Leave shoes outside your home
- Clean objects that may be contaminated with disinfecting products.
- Multi-pet households should take additional precautions
I need to rehome my rabbit. What options do I have?
To mitigate the risk for the rabbits in our shelter and staff pets, we are not accepting any rabbits at YVAS. For helpful information on how to rehome your rabbit: give us a call at the shelter, check out our Home to Home Program, or click here.What if I find a dead or sick rabbit?
RHD is reportable in Montana, meaning anyone who suspects animals may be infected is obligated to report that information. Reports should be made for both domestic and wild rabbits. If you have questions or wish to report suspected cases of RHD in domestic rabbits, please contact the Department of Livestock at (406) 444-2976. To report a wild rabbit mortality, please contact Fish Wildlife & Parks at (406) 577-7880.Helpful Contacts:
- Fish, Wildlife and Parks: 406-577-7880
- Department of Livestock: 406-444-2976
- Billings Animal Control: 406-657-8226
- Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter: 406-294-7387
