Rabbit Owners Beware of RHDV2 Disease

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The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) reminds veterinarians and rabbit owners that reporting suspected occurrences of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2), including sudden, elevated numbers of rabbit deaths, is mandatory.  Disease reports are identified by the county of occurrence only,  and all other personal information is protected from open record requests.  

"This disease is very contagious and fatal to domestic and wild rabbits,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Keith Roehr. “The appropriate response by rabbit owners is vital to limiting further spread of the disease from affected rabbit facilities."  

The USDA and the state veterinarian’s office are currently investigating a case of domestic rabbit die off in El Paso county. The carcasses were disposed of and unavailable for testing, but the case is being managed as a presumptive positive due to the clinical signs exhibited prior to death.

RHDV2 does not affect humans or domestic species other than rabbits and is not related to COVID-19. RHDV-2 is considered a foreign animal disease and is of high concern at the state and federal levels.

RHDV2 vaccine is not licensed in the U.S. and is only available through manufacturers in Europe.  Therefore, veterinarians are required to apply for approval to import the vaccine through the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics.  Rabbit owners who are interested in obtaining the vaccine should contact their veterinarian. The state veterinarian’s office can guide veterinarians in vaccine procurement.  

For more information about RHDV2 and to view a real-time map of confirmed cases in Colorado, visit CDA’s Animal Health Division RHDV2 webpage.

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