June 5, 2008 ( www.RabbitMart.com )

A special report on RHD to increase awareness in the pet owner community.
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is a highly infectious viral disease of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

This is the species from which all U.S. domestic and commercial rabbits are derived. American cottontail rabbits and jackrabbits are not susceptible to infection.

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Clinical signs of RHD
Rabbits die suddenly within 6 to 24 hours of the onset of fever with few clinical signs. Fever may be as high as 105 %F, but often is not detected until rabbits show terminal clinical signs. RHD damages the liver, intestines, and lymphatic tissue and causes terminal blood clots. The death rate ranges from 50 to 100 percent.

RHD is highly contagious. The large amounts of virus are passed in the droppings of infected rabbits. The virus can then be spread on to the food of healthy rabbits, infecting them. The virus can also be spread by contact with rabbit products, rodents, and contaminated objects, such as cages, feeders, and clothing.

Contaminated objects may be a source of spread if not cleaned and disinfected. Infected rabbits that recover may become carriers of the virus. Recovered rabbits can shed virus for at least 4 weeks after recovery.

Veterinarians and rabbit owners who suspect a rabbit may have RHD should immediately contact State or Federal animal health authorities.