Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a type of calicivirus that specifically attacks rabbits. The virus survives in the slim number of rabbits that survive, only to pass it along in their feces, urine or respiratory secretions. RHDV has affected rabbits in Europe for decades and since 2020, has maintained a steady disease status in the United States. In 2010, a deadlier variant of the virus, RHDV2, was identified and has been reported throughout Europe, the United States and Western Canada. It is now considered an endemic in the United States, as it has maintained a consistent rate of infection in the wild rabbit population.

What are the clinical signs of rabbit hemorrhagic disease?

Hemorrhaging from one or more body orifices is a common sign of the disease. Other signs are generally non-specific before death. Infected rabbits will usually die within 12-36 hours of exposure. Fatality rates of 70-100% have been reported.