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SINGAPORE – A highly contagious, acute and deadly disease affecting only rabbits was detected for the first time in Singapore on Wednesday (September 16), the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) said in a statement Thursday.
Known as rabbit hemorrhagic disease (EHC), it is not transmissible from animals to people and does not affect other animal species, added the AVS, which depends on the National Parks Board.
“The virus that causes RHD was detected in samples from pet rabbits sent by a veterinary clinic. Based on research done so far, there may be up to 11 affected rabbits in the group and eight have died.
“None of the cases are known to have a travel history. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing,” the AVS said.
You will work with veterinary clinics and distributors on the importation and registration of EHC vaccines.
While there is no specific treatment available for EHC, supportive care can be provided for infected rabbits.
The virus that causes EHC is transmitted between rabbits through direct contact with infected fluids, skins, and carcasses. Transmission through objects such as shoes, clothing and equipment, and insects has also been recorded.
The incubation period for RHD is between one and five days.
Clinical signs include anorexia, dullness, prostration, nervous signs, moaning and crying, or respiratory signs such as shortness of breath or runny nose.
Death can occur within 12 to 36 hours after clinical signs appear.
Surviving rabbits can continue to shed the virus for at least a month after recovering.
RHD has been reported in countries and regions around the world, including Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and parts of Asia, in both domestic and wild rabbit populations.
It is a notifiable animal disease in Singapore, which must be reported to the AVS and the World Organization for Animal Health.
AVS advised pet owners to:
– Minimize contact between your rabbits and visitors and other rabbits, especially if the owners do not know their state of health;
– Practice good personal hygiene, such as washing your hands with soap before and after being in contact with your pets or other animals;
– Keep the rabbit’s housing and environment clean, since the virus can spread by contact with contaminated surfaces and insects such as flies;
– Take your pets for veterinary treatment, if they observe that their pets are not well.
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