All Rabbits Are at Risk
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2, commonly known as RHDV2,
is highly contagious and often fatal. Indoor-only rabbits can also
be exposed because the virus may enter the home on shoes, clothing,
insects, supplies, and contaminated materials.
A current outbreak of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 is
affecting wild rabbits in Nevada. Rabbit owners throughout Las Vegas
should understand how this virus spreads, which symptoms require
immediate attention, and how vaccination can help protect pet rabbits.
At Lone Mountain Animal Hospital, we want local rabbit families to have
clear, reliable information about RHDV2 and the precautions they can
take during the outbreak.
What Is RHDV2?
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 is a serious viral disease
affecting domestic and wild rabbits. It can cause severe internal
bleeding, organ damage, and sudden death.
Some infected rabbits become critically ill very quickly and may show
few noticeable symptoms beforehand. In certain cases, sudden death may
be the first indication that a rabbit was infected.
The virus can spread through animals, people, insects, and contaminated objects.
Some rabbits become critically ill before obvious symptoms appear.
Direct contact with a wild rabbit is not required for exposure.
people can unknowingly carry the virus between locations on their
shoes, clothing, hands, and equipment.
How Does RHDV2 Spread?
RHDV2 can enter a home without direct contact between a pet rabbit and
an infected wild rabbit. The virus may be carried on contaminated
materials and surfaces.
Fur
Urine and feces
Hay and bedding
Shoes and clothing
Bowls and equipment
Insects and surfaces
Symptoms of RHDV2 in Rabbits
RHDV2 can progress rapidly. Contact a veterinarian immediately if your
rabbit develops any of the following symptoms:
Lethargy or weakness
Loss of appetite
Fever
Difficulty breathing
Bleeding from the nose, mouth, or genital area
Sudden collapse or death
Call Before Coming to the Hospital
If your rabbit shows possible signs of RHDV2, especially
unexplained bleeding or difficulty breathing, call Lone Mountain
Animal Hospital before arriving. Advance notice allows our team
to prepare an appropriate isolation area and reduce the risk of
exposing other rabbits.
How to Help Protect Your Rabbit
Keep Your Rabbit Indoors
Do not allow pet rabbits to exercise in areas where wild
rabbits may have been present.
Leave Outdoor Shoes at the Door
Consider using separate indoor shoes after visiting parks,
trails, yards, or other outdoor areas.
Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands before and after handling your rabbit, its
food, bedding, bowls, or enclosure.
Clean Supplies Carefully
Do not share carriers, cages, bowls, or grooming supplies
between rabbits without proper cleaning and disinfection.
Avoid Outdoor Materials
Do not bring grass, branches, plants, or other outdoor
materials into your rabbit’s living area.
Ask About Vaccination
Vaccination is one of the most important ways to help protect
your rabbit from RHDV2.
We Are Not Accepting Wild Rabbits at This Time
To protect our patients, clients, and veterinary team, Lone Mountain
Animal Hospital is not seeing or accepting wild rabbits during the
current outbreak.
Please do not touch or bring a sick, injured, or deceased wild rabbit
into the hospital. Handling or transporting a wild rabbit could
spread contaminated material to your vehicle, clothing, shoes, or
other locations.
What to Do if Your Pet Rabbit Becomes Sick
-
1
Separate the rabbit from any other rabbits in your home.
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2
Avoid sharing bowls, bedding, carriers, or cleaning supplies.
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3
Wash your hands and change contaminated clothing after handling
the rabbit. -
4
Call Lone Mountain Animal Hospital before traveling to the
hospital. -
5
Follow the veterinary team’s arrival and isolation instructions.
Ask Us About RHDV2 Vaccination
If you have questions about RHDV2 in Nevada or would like to schedule
a vaccination appointment for your rabbit, contact Lone Mountain
Animal Hospital in Las Vegas.
