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SINGAPORE: A deadly disease primarily affecting rabbits was detected in Singapore, the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) said on Thursday (September 17).
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is highly contagious, acute and fatal, although it is not zoonotic and does not affect humans or other animal species, added AVS, which is a group of the National Park Board (NParks).
A press release posted on the NParks website indicated that the virus that causes RHD was detected Wednesday through pet rabbit samples submitted by a veterinary clinic.
Investigations showed that there may be up to 11 affected rabbits in the group, eight of which have died.
Neither case has a travel history. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.
AVS said it will work with veterinary clinics and distributors on the importation and registration of vaccines for EHC.
“We have engaged stakeholders such as veterinarians, relevant animal welfare groups, and pet establishments to share RHD information and warnings.
“Stakeholders are advised to implement strict biosecurity protocols to minimize the risk of disease transmission between rabbits from different households, including areas of sanitation, disinfection and isolation, and to report any suspected cases to AVS.”
Pet owners are advised to:
- Minimize your rabbits’ contact with visitors and other rabbits, especially if you don’t know their health status.
- Practice good personal hygiene, such as washing your hands with soap before and after being in contact with your pets or other animals.
- Keep rabbit housing and surroundings clean, as the virus can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and through insects such as flies.
- Bring your pets in for veterinary treatment if you notice that your pets are unwell.
WHAT IS RABBIT HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE?
RHD is not zoonotic and does not pose a risk to human health.
Your incubation period for RHD is one to five days.
Clinical signs may include anorexia, dullness, prostration, nervous signs, moaning and crying, or respiratory signs such as shortness of breath or a runny nose.
Death can occur within 12 to 36 hours after clinical signs appear.
Supportive care can be provided for infected rabbits, but there is no specific treatment available for EHC.
RHD has been reported in some countries around the world, including Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and parts of Asia in domestic and wild rabbit populations.
It is a notifiable animal disease in Singapore, which must be reported to agricultural authorities and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).
