A deadly virus targeting domestic and wild rabbits has been discovered for the first time in Los Angeles County, public health officials said.
Hemorrhagic rabbit disease (RHDV2) was found in wild rabbits in Littlerock in the Antelope Valley and Juniper Hills in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced on August 4th.
The disease was discovered in May in Palm Springs, later spread to counties of San Bernardino, Orange and San Diego, said wildlife officials.
It had been spotted in Mexico, and New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Texas before it was found in a black-tailed jackrabbit carcass submitted from private property near Palm Springs in May – the first sighting in California.
RHDV2 is not related to the new coronavirus and does not affect humans or animals other than the lagomorph species, which includes all wild and domestic rabbits, hair and pikeperch.
Wildlife officials see it as a threat to local ecosystems because of its expected impact on predator species. Reduced wild boar populations are likely to drive coyotes and raccoons into urban areas in search of food.
Owners of domestic rabbits are concerned about the virus, as it carries a 90% mortality rate, and deaths are sudden and violent.
“Infected rabbits and jackrabbits may not exhibit symptoms that lead to their sudden death, or may suffer from fever, swelling, internal bleeding and liver necrosis,” a statement from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said.
All rabbit owners and veterans are encouraged to learn about the virus and how rabbits can protect it. A vaccine has been developed, and domestic rabbit owners are encouraged to contact their veterinarian for more information. A list of veterinarians in the South offering the vaccine can be found at www.larabbits.org/articles/rhdv2.
Officials have issued the following guidelines for those who have domestic rabbits or who come into contact with wild rents:
- House rabbits should be kept indoors at all times to minimize potential contact;
- All sick or dead rabbits should be reported to wildlife officials (https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Investigations/Monitoring/Mortality-Report) and should NOT be touched;
- Any unusual illness like sudden rabbit death should be reported directly to your veteran;
- The virus is highly contagious, and can be spread by direct contact with infected animals and / or their urine / faeces; can also be spread on infected objects, insects, etc. Therefore, good hygiene practices are necessary
- ie wash hands thoroughly before and after treating rabbits, thoroughly disinfect, leave shoes outside, insect control, etc.
- Know your horns / feed sources and if they are near areas affected by the outbreak;
- Keep dogs on a leash when outside, so they do not interact with wild rabbits; consider that dogs wear booties when they are outside, or wash their paws before entering. Keep dogs and rabbits in separate areas of your home.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture issued a quarantine on May 12 in which “No rabbit, hair, or its product (meat, fur, hides, carcasses, etc.) or equipment used to process rabbits, California may import from states or counties where RHD has been diagnosed within the previous year. “
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