Information & Updates from Care Animal Hospital
With the growing threat of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is recommending that shelters and rabbit owners review their bio-security measures to help protect their animals.
To read the latest update from the DATCP, click here.
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Serotype 2 (RHDV2)
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Serotype 2 (RHDV2) is a highly contagious virus that affects both wild and domestic rabbits. It spreads through direct contact or exposure to an infected rabbit’s excretions (blood or bodily fluids). It can also spread indirectly through contact with affected carcasses, food, water, or insects. People can spread the virus indirectly by carrying it on their shoes or clothing after being exposed to an infected animal or its excretions in the environment. Symptoms of this disease include fever, decreased appetite, and respiratory or neurologic symptoms. Often, the only sign seen is sudden death. RHDV2 is considered a reportable foreign animal disease in the United States.
The FDA and the Wisconsin State Veterinarian have granted the RHDV2 vaccine from MedGene Labs emergency use authorization. Vaccine studies showed the vaccine to be efficacious. The only side effect noted in their research was mild swelling at the injection site, which subsided in under 48 hours. Other signs the manufacturer recommends monitoring include slight fever and mild lethargy of one to two days duration. This vaccine requires two doses, twenty-one days apart, to be fully protective. The vaccine is safe for rabbits as young as seven weeks of age. While data on long-term protection is still being collected, studies show that rabbits are fully protected two weeks after receiving the second dose, and protection lasts for 6 months.
We are excited to inform you that the single-dose vial of the RHDV2 vaccine is now available at our clinic! This means we are no longer required to hold special vaccine clinics – instead, the vaccine can be conveniently administered during your rabbit’s regular wellness appointment. To monitor for any immediate allergic reaction, you can stay with your rabbit in our lobby for 15 minutes after the vaccine is administered.
Additional resources:
House Rabbit Society’s website
USDA website
If your rabbit has received the vaccine and is experiencing a reaction after hours, please call VCA Milwaukee Emergency Center for Animals (MECA) at 414- 543-7387