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.

The diagnosis was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS).

The surviving rabbits at the location have been quarantined and animal health authorities have asked the owners to contain them in hutches to avoid further spread and to prevent further contact with wild rabbits.

No press release is available at this time but more information can be found HERE.

If you suspect wild rabbits in South Carolina may have RHDV2, please contact Michael Hook with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources: 803-734-3940; hookm@dnr.sc.gov.

If your rabbit becomes ill or dies and you suspect RHDV2, please contact your veterinarian. Veterinarians can submit samples for testing by contacting the Clemson Veterinary Diagnostic Center at 803-726-7831.