Calgary RHD: Everything you need to know
Basic facts about RHD.
RHD is a highly contagious and fatal virus that impacts European Rabbits (domestic rabbits). RHDV2 (the strain most recently found in the United States) has been observed in wild populations. The disease kills very quickly and many rabbits do not show symptoms. Sudden death in an otherwise healthy rabbit should be treated as RHD and reported immediately. RHD is specific to rabbits and cannot harm yourself, your family, or other species of animal.
Symptoms of RHD in domesticated rabbits include, but are not limited to:
Inappetence, or loss of appetite
Lethargy, or lack of energy
Fever of 104F or higher
Seizures, weakness, wobbliness and other neurological signs
Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and mucosal membranes (most noticeably in the ears)
Bleeding from the nose, mouth, genital openings or rectum
Difficulty breathing
Sudden death
The incubation time for RHDV2 is 3 to 9 days.
Infected rabbits shed the virus through blood, urine, feces, mucus, and other bodily fluids. The virus can easily be transmitted by fomite meaning the virus can travel on shoes, vehicles, clothing, hay, etc. The virus can also spread by travelling pets, insects, birds, and predators in contact with infected carcasses. Rabbits typically die from liver dysfunction with aberrant coagulation and hemorrhage contributing to death. Rabbits who somehow survive RHD can shed the virus for over 42 days. The virus can survive outside a host for a long time. It survives extreme temperatures (survives at 50 degrees Celcius for 1 hour) and generally stays on surfaces for 3.5 months.
There is no known treatment for RHD and only preventative vaccines are available.
RHD in Calgary (September 2022).
On August 30th, 2022, a person reported a major loss of feral domestic rabbits in the Manchester Industrial Area (Mcleod Trail, 42 Ave, Blackfoot Trail, area). They claimed that they have seen many rabbits dying and specifically 9 in the last 24 hours. They witnessed one rabbit coughing up blood, urinating, and he was dead just moments after. Just a day or two later, rabbits in Seton were reportedly dropping dead. Suspicious deaths have also been reported by various people on Calgary Beltline, Lindsey Park, and other areas where feral rabbits are known to call home. WRRR received one call about a dumped rabbit dying (supposedly to RHD) in Skyview Ranch NE, a place not known to contain any feral populations.
Update as of October, it seems RHD is now in Falconridge and Nose Hill Park. Multiple ferals in those areas are passing away. There was also a suspected RHD case in Coach Hill.
The bodies have been sent for testing and results showed liver damage that is very likely caused by RHD.
Update: Testing has confirmed it is 100% RHDV2.
The first RHDV case in Calgary was a few months ago in a single indoor rabbit. They had suspected that RHDV travelled on hay the owner had bought on Kijiji.
If you come across a dead rabbit or one that appears very ill or showing signs of bleeding, please contact one of the following offices:
Calgary CFIA office: 587-230-2468
Alberta Fish and Wildlife: 403-297-6674
Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian: 1-780-427-3448
Alberta Environment and Parks Office: 310-0000
What can I do to protect my rabbit(s) from this virus?
All the measures for RHD are preventative, as once a rabbit is infected there is no known cure to help them.
It is recommended that ALL rabbits get vaccinated for RHD. In the past, the vaccine has been difficult to get as it was not licensed in Canada. Vet clinics wanting to get the vaccine had to go through a timely process to get it imported. With a new Canadian distributor, vets can easily get the vaccine to their lagomorph patients, which is a huge win!
Owners should avoid bringing their rabbits anything that was gathered from outside and cease outdoor playtime.
Do not introduce any new rabbits, especially from outside or unknown origins, to the household. If you do, quarantine them for at least 2 weeks and do not share supplies between rabbits.
Avoid areas that have feral rabbits at all costs. These areas include but are not limited to Seton, Manchester, Earlton, Lindsey Park, Edgemont, and certain spots Downtown. Update: Now that it is confirmed it is RHDV2 please also avoid going near jackrabbits and other wild species of rabbit.
Two disinfectants that can kill the virus are household bleach (diluted 1:10) and Virkon. Bleach is not environmentally friendly or very safe for users. Virkon is a better option and safer for your rabbit to use. WRRR has bought Virkon at ‘The Mill Store’ in Okotoks. WRRR sprays shoes/feet down when coming inside to the rabbits as well as anything that might contain the virus. Find other disinfectants here.
Wash your hands and clothes with hot soapy water upon entry to the house.
A note from Gizelle Becker.
My heart breaks for these rabbits that are suffering and will continue to suffer from this awful disease. They didn’t ask to be dumped outside, betrayed by humankind. The feral rabbits face dozens of dangers in their everyday lives, and now they are being tortured by this disease. Horrendous. I hardly have any words. Although sometimes bratty and spoiled, we as rabbit lovers know how gentle and sweet their little souls are. And over a hundred suffering excruciating deaths in just a few days. The virus will persist until every rabbit is dead or a carrier. It will stay hidden in our environment for months to come. The rainbow bridge is flooded with bunny angels.
