Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) Overview

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease virus 2 (RHDV2) hit the United States in 2020. Between pet rabbits in New York to multiple states in the southwest, we've experienced virus spread in many states. This webinar gave an overview of the response to this emerging Foreign Animal Disease, coordination between Veterinary Services and Wildlife Services, and our work with multiple State departments of agriculture and wildlife. Topics included disease response and mitigation, outreach measures, wildlife concerns, laboratory capacity and expansion, and epidemiology of the RHDV2 spread. This webinar also discussed the multiple challenges of regulatory authority over rabbits, OIE reporting, vaccine importation and environmental hardiness of this virus. Dr. Lynn Creekmore (APHIS, VS), Dr. Julie Lenoch (APHIS, VS) and Dr. Tom Gidlewski, APHIS Wildlife Services are the speakers.

[@sdgna]

Thank you for sharing. Scary. As someone that volunteers at a rabbit shelter this is just so scary.

[@roxyrabbits2369]

Lost my 6 rabbits in last 5 days due to the hemmorogic disease These 5 days are the worst of my entire life

[@alexkissin1861]

Having lost 3 pet rabbits to diagnosed RHD2 I can confirm it is a terrible disease there is a effective vaccine against this if your rabbits are vaccinated they should be protected. This year the vaccine was given as a triple combination of mixi/RHD1/RHD2 Simples

[@TheBazooms]

I live in Indiana, should I keep my rabbit in doors? I have an exercise pin for her to go out in, while we are in the back yard. I've seen wild rabbits in my yard. A little afraid to let her go outside.

[@TheBazooms]

Rabies? I thought Rabbits couldn't get rabies. Was that a lie?