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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RHDV2 Outbreak in Texas
RHDV2 has recently expanded eastward across the state into the Hill Country portion of the state. At least 5 counties have detected RHDV2 in Texas in 2023. These include Mills, Reeves, Gillespie, Terrell, and Brewster Read more…
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RHDV2 Confirmed in South Carolina
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type-2 (RHDV2) has been detected for the first time in South Carolina after animal health authorities were alerted to a sudden die-off of feral rabbits at a homestead in Greenville County. Read more…
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Connecticut becomes 27th State with RHDV2
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has confirmed Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 (RHDV2) at a private residence in Hartford County. Press release HERE. On September 6, 2022, a report of sudden death in 13 Read more…