Tennessee vet warns of highly contagious, fatal rabbit disease found at state border

An outbreak of a foreign animal disease has been found near the Tennessee border in Arkansas, according to a news release from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2, or RHDV2, is highly contagious and fatal to domestic rabbits, wild hares and pika, though it does not affect humans or other animals. It can be transmitted through direct contact with infected rabbits or carcasses, meat or fur, feces, bodily fluids, bedding material, feed and water bowls and hay, the release states.

So far, no cases have been detected in Tennessee, but state veterinarian Dr. Samantha Beaty said rabbit owners should be mindful of the heightened risk.

“Onset of this rabbit virus is extremely quick, and it’s persistent,” Beaty said in the release. “The virus can remain in the environment for an extended time, even in extreme temperatures. Pet owners and breeders should be alert for any signs their rabbits are infected.”

Infected animals may experience lethargy, decreased appetite, labored breathing, swelling and internal bleeding. Owners should also watch for blood-stained noses or mouths, though often the only sign of infection is sudden death of the animal, according to the release.

To best protect animals from infection, owners should do the following:

› Separate domestic rabbits from other pets, livestock and wild animals.

› Thoroughly clean and disinfect surfaces and equipment used for rabbit care.

› Thoroughly wash hands, clothes and shoes before and after contact with domestic rabbits.

› Dedicate a pair of shoes to be worn in rabbit housing and do not wear them outside the housing area.

› Quarantine newly acquired domestic animals for at least 30 days away from other pets and livestock.

› Do not handle dead wild rabbits.

› Hunters should wear gloves and disinfect tools, equipment and hands after field-dressing wild rabbits. Meat from healthy animals is safe for human consumption if dressed and cooked properly.

Rabbit owners who experience a high number of sudden animal deaths should contact the state veterinarian’s office immediately. All rabbits entering Tennessee are required to have a certificate of veterinary inspection. Contact the state veterinarian’s office at 615837-5120 or email animal.health@ tn.gov for import requirements.

Those who find dead wild rabbits should contact their Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency regional office by visiting bit.ly/twra-form.