WHAT IS IT
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is a highly contagious virus infecting wild and domestic rabbits and hares.
WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
The rabbit hemorrhagic disease kills up to 80% of infected animals and is rapidly spreading throughout parts of North America.
WHY THE LOSS OF RABBITS IS IMPORTANT
The loss of wild rabbits will negatively impact food webs, ecosystem health, and hunting opportunities.
The loss of domestic rabbits will strongly impact pet owners.
The losses to the wide-spread domestic rabbit trade could cause substantial damage to the U.S. economy.
WHERE IS RHDV2
RECENT NEWS
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First RHDV2 Case in Tennessee – Jan. 28, 2022
The first case of RHV2 was confirmed in eastern Tennessee. Later information clarified that the case was located in Blount County. This case involved two domesticated rabbits at one location, no other rabbits were housed Read more…
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New ARBA RHD Policy
January 24, 2022 – The American Rabbit Breeders Association updated their policies regarding RHDV2. Of particular note is that: Any ARBA sanction held by a club within 50 miles of an active domestic rabbit or Read more…
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RHDV2 Confirmed in Kentucky – December 17, 2021
RHDV2 was detected in two domestic rabbit in Jefferson County, KY on December 17, 2021. No official press release is expected from the Department of Agriculture at this time as they do not regulate domestic Read more…