Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (Rhd) is an infections viral disease that can occur in the Euoropean rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The majority of the domestic and industrial rabbits in the United States are derived from this species and are susceptible to infection from Rhdv. Fortunately, cottontail rabbits and jackrabbits are not susceptible to the infection and are not a source of infection to the domestic rabbits. Humans and other animals are also not infected by the Rhd virus. If the disease is introduced to a rabbitry or a household, it spreads rapidly, causing a 70%-100% of the rabbits to get sick and die. There is not a medicine and there is not a vaccine available in the United States as of yet. Survivors of the virus can become carriers and transmit the disease for up to 4 weeks following infection.
Signs of the Disease
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When a rabbit is exposed to the virus, the virus attacks the liver, intestines, and lymphatic theory which results in immense blood clots within just a short incubation period of 24 to 48 hours. Young rabbits can die suddenly in just 6 to 24 hours after you first observation they are even sick. Some signs that rabbits can show are a foamy, bloody nasal discharge from the internal bleeding. The can also show depression or a reluctance to move, which can then strengthen to a variety of neurologic signs. Some rabbits may show increased excitement, in-coordination, paddling movements of their legs and opisthotonos (stiffness and abnormal position or the head and back in an arched position). Unfortunately, by the time the rabbit is showing signs, there is very wee a pet owner can do.
What is Rhd?
The disease is caused by a virus that has been identified as a Lagovirus belonging to the family Caliciviridaeis (calicivirus). While previously wee to China, Europe and some other areas, it has been known to be in the U.S. Since the year 2000 and had a major outbreak in Indiana in 2005. Since then, cases have been diagnosed in several states such as Iowa, New York and Utah. With a distribution that broad, it could potentially occur anywhere.
There are vaccines in other countries, but they have so far not been proven completely effective. Pfizer is currently working on a vaccine in the United States, but it is not known when it will be available or how sufficient it is. Unfortunately, there is no sufficient cure for the disease, but there are treatments that can alleviate suffering.
Disease prevention
The main concern is to avoid introducing Rhd into to the rabbit people in the United States. Rhd virus wreaked havoc in Europe causing immense losses to the rabbits and rabbit industry. If you are importing rabbits, rabbit cages, supplies, pelts, feeders, clothes from a country that has Rhd, you should avoid experience with these objects and your own rabbits. Rabbits can be carriers of the disease for 4 weeks and the virus can remain viable on objects for a long time. Disinfectants such as, 2-percent 1-Stroke Environ (Steris Corporation, St. Louis, Mo), 0.5-percent sodium hypochlorite, or 10-percent household bleach, can be used to sanitize equipment and cages. Also, if you are purchasing used products from an auction site, be sure to disinfect all surfaces before letting your rabbit use the product, and sanitize your hands after touching the objects to preclude transmission.
Keep newly purchased rabbits isolated from your own rabbit for at least 5 days. It is also a good idea if you are showing your rabbit at livestock shows to detach them for 5 days when returning from shows. You should also decontaminate your hands and footwear when going from the isolated rabbits to the rest of your population.
Researchers are working very hard to find a vaccine for Rhd. With just a few precautions, hopefully your rabbit will not be exposed and suffer from this terrible disease.
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (Rhd) - A Viral Disease of Rabbits
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