TRACS urges rabbit owners to isolate them

The recent outbreak of the rabbit hemorrhagic disease on Vancouver Island has now been confirmed in Richmond, forcing the destruction of 66 rabbits at Richmond Animal Protections Services this week.

TRACS was responsible for the humane trapping of more than 800 rabbits off the streets of Kelowna in 2008. These rabbits were placed in sanctuaries around Kelowna. There are now two sanctuaries currently running with close to 175 rabbits remaining.

With the deadly disease now in Richmond, experts state it is just a matter of time until the virus hits the Okanagan. TRACS has been working closely with Dr. Irene Mul of Okanagan Veterinary Hospital and ordered the vaccine for the disease from France. Due to several shipping delays, the vaccine will not reach Kelowna until Tuesday at the very earliest.

Upon its arrival, all TRACS rabbits will be vaccinated. Both sanctuaries are also on quarantine allowing very select few to interact with the rabbits. Extreme biosecurity measures are also in place.

Due to this deadly disease being easily and quickly spread, TRACS urges all rabbit owners in the valley, including breeders and meat suppliers, to vaccinate as soon as possible to keep the animals safe and, most importantly, to stop the spread of disease.

For additional information, visit: tracs-bc.ca.