Learn about rabbits and RHD, a highly contagious disease that is typically fatal in non-immune rabbits.
RHD is an acute disease with a high mortality (death) rate of between 50% and 100% in unprotected or unvaccinated rabbits.
It is caused by the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), a type of calicivirus. There are two strains of this virus: RHD-1 and RHD-2.
How is RHD transmitted among rabbits?
RHD is highly contagious among rabbits. The virus is transmitted directly between rabbits, and through body fluids such as nasal discharge, urine (pee), and faeces (poop).
Unfortunately, the RHD virus can remain stable in the environment for about 100 days or so at room temperature and even longer if the temperature is lower.
The virus can stick to fur, feet, surfaces, fomites — bowls, water bottles, toys, litter trays, cages, bedding, etc — that infected bunnies come into contact with.
The virus can also be spread mechanically by insects such as flies, mosquitos, and fleas. Therefore, contact with wild rabbits can also result in transmission of RHD. Failing to quarantine introduced rabbits may also cause the virus to be spread.
RHD does not affect humans’ health or any other animal species. However, people can unknowingly spread the virus indirectly by carrying it on our clothing, shoes, hands, and so on.
Signs of the disease
Clinical signs of RHD include:
- Fever
- Depressed demeanour
- Anorexia
- Bleeding from the nose, anus, mouth
- Incoordination
- Seizures, paddling
- Bruising of the skin
- Convulsions, ataxia, posterior paresis, or CNS depression may occur
- Increased respiratory rate for up to 24 hours before death
- Jaundice
- Sudden death
The overall mortality rate for both strains of the virus, RHD-1 and RHD-2, is roughly the same. Death can occur within 24-72 hours. With RHD-2, the rabbits develop signs more slowly than with RHD-1, which means they are alive for a longer time before succumbing to the disease.
How to protect your bunnies
Prevention 💪
Vaccination is the only way to prevent RHD. Vaccinating healthy rabbits can help to reduce the risk of infection. Consult your veterinarian on whether your rabbit is a good candidate for the RHD vaccination.
That said, please keep in mind that vaccines should not replace good biosecurity practices.
The risk of getting RHD is low for rabbits that are housed indoors with minimal exposure outdoors and to rabbits from other households.
To minimise the risk and prevent disease spread, pet owners are advised to:
- Minimise contact between your pet rabbits with visitors and other rabbits, especially if you are not aware of their health status;
- Practise good personal hygiene, such as washing your hands with soap before and after being in contact with your pets or other animals;
- Keep the housing and environment of your rabbits clean, as the virus can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, and via insects such as flies;
- Bring your bunnies in for veterinary treatment, if you observe them to be unwell.
Diagnostics 🔬
If your rabbit become acutely ill, bring them quickly to your veterinarian, who will run some tests including:
- Full Blood Count – to check white blood cell count🩸
- Biochemistry panel – liver enzymes will be by elevated.
- Clotting profile – Clotting times will be prolonged
- ELISA Tests
- PCR Tests
- Autopsy of deceased rabbits – liver, lungs, kidney, spleen, etc samples to be taken
Inform your vet of your rabbit’s health, husbandry, and movement history.
Treatment 🧬💊
Rabbits that are suspected to have the disease or tested and confirmed to have RHD will receive supportive treatment and isolated (with strict quarantine and disinfection procedures having to be adhered to).
Rabbits that do recover from the disease can still shed the virus for six weeks or longer. They will hence need to be quarantined or isolated for a protracted period to protect other rabbits.
During this time, it is also best not to send your rabbit to areas where they might be exposed to other rabbits, eg. boarding, grooming and test other rabbits if you have multiple rabbits.
Fear-Free veterinary care
Paws N’ Claws Veterinary Surgery is led by Dr Esther Lam, a Fear-Free certified veterinarian who prioritises your pet’s emotional and physical well-being.
Our vet clinics in Yishun and Upper Thomson offer a wide range of services, including consultation, vaccination, and hospitalisation care. Pet first-aid kits are also available for purchase at Paws N’ Claws.
Have a question, or wish to book an appointment at Paws N’ Claws? WhatsApp us at 8891 4417 (Upper Thomson) or 8809 0787 (Yishun).