Viral hemorrhagic disease (VHD), also known as rabbit hemorrhagic disease, is a highly contagious and often fatal viral infection that affects wild and domestic rabbits. Getting rid of VHD requires a multi-faceted approach focusing on prevention, detection, and treatment. Here are some quick answers about eliminating VHD:
What causes VHD in rabbits?
VHD is caused by the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV). This calicivirus is extremely contagious and spreads through direct contact with infected rabbits, exposure to contaminated materials or food, or contact with infected wild rabbits. The virus attacks the liver, lungs, kidneys, and other organs, causing extensive internal bleeding and a high fever. Within 24-72 hours of infection, most rabbits either die or must be euthanized.
How do I know if my rabbit has VHD?
Signs of VHD include:
- High fever
- Extreme lethargy and loss of appetite
- Breathing difficulties
- Foamy or bloody nasal discharge
- Congestion and swelling around eyes/nose
- Neurological signs like incoordination, excitement, or seizure
- Sudden death
However, many rabbits die suddenly without exhibiting any symptoms. The only way to confirm VHD is through laboratory testing.
How does VHD spread between rabbits?
RHDV spreads through:
- Direct contact with infected live or dead rabbits
- Exposure to contaminated hutches, bedding, feed, or water
- Contact with urine or feces from infected rabbits
- Mechanical transmission via equipment, clothing, insects, etc.
- Ingestion of contaminated food or water
The virus can persist in the environment for a long time. It is extremely hardy and can withstand cold temperatures. RHDV spreads quickly through rabbits in close contact and can infect entire rabbitries rapidly.
How can I protect my rabbits from VHD?
To prevent VHD outbreaks:
- House rabbits indoors and do not allow contact with wild rabbits
- Quarantine new rabbits for at least 30 days
- Use dedicated equipment and clothing in each rabbit area
- Restrict access to the rabbitry and use disinfectant foot baths
- Clean and disinfect housing, feeders, equipment regularly
- Remove carcasses and contaminated items safely
- Feed rabbits pelleted feed and prevent access to possibly contaminated vegetation
- Control flies, rodents, birds, etc. that can transmit virus mechanically
Vaccinating rabbits against RHDV can also help prevent VHD outbreaks. However, vaccine efficacy varies between strains.
Is there a cure for VHD in rabbits?
Unfortunately there is no cure for VHD once a rabbit is infected. However, the following supportive care may help:
- Injections of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Antibiotics to prevent secondary infections
- Anti-inflammatories to reduce fever
- Nutritional support with syringe feeding
Even with intensive care, rabbits diagnosed with VHD often die. The most compassionate option is typically euthanasia to prevent further suffering.
How do I disinfect against VHD virus?
To eliminate RHDV, thoroughly clean and disinfect all equipment, housing, feeders, bedding etc. Useful disinfectants include:
- 10% sodium hypochlorite bleach solution
- 0.5% sodium hydroxide (lye) solution
- Phenolic disinfectants (ex. Lysol)
- Iodophors (ex. Betadine)
Heating hutches and items to 60°C for over an hour can also inactivate the virus. Remove and destroy any contaminated organic material first.
What should I do if VHD is in my area?
If VHD cases occur nearby:
- Strictly quarantine rabbits with no outside contact
- Allow no visitors in rabbit area
- Put up fly mesh, double fencing to protect from wild rabbits
- Disinfect diligently and change clothing/footwear between pens
- Stop breeding or acquiring new rabbits
- Isolate sick rabbits immediately in a closed pen
- Securely remove and dispose of all carcasses
- Notify authorities of suspected VHD cases
What should I do if my rabbit dies suddenly?
If rabbits are dying suddenly:
- Isolate the area and any remaining rabbits
- Contact your vet immediately to examine carcasses
- Use protective clothing and disinfectant when handling bodies
- Double bag and incinerate/bury carcasses at least 6 feet deep
- Clean and disinfect the entire facility thoroughly
- Notify authorities if VHD is suspected
- Quarantine remaining rabbits for at least one month
Rapid action is essential to contain a potential VHD outbreak. Do not consume rabbits that died suddenly or use their meat/fur until VHD is definitively ruled out.
Conclusion
VHD is a highly fatal and contagious viral disease in rabbits that requires vigilant prevention, biosecurity, and monitoring to protect rabbitries. There is no effective treatment available. However, careful quarantine, disinfection, and vaccination protocols can help control the spread of VHD and safeguard rabbit populations.
Rabbit owners should be alert for any signs of VHD and immediately isolate and evaluate any sick rabbits. Rapid disposal of carcasses as well as thorough cleaning and disinfection of housing and equipment is necessary to eliminate RHDV contamination. By taking appropriate biosecurity measures and working closely with veterinary experts, rabbit breeders and owners can effectively manage VHD risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can rabbits recover from VHD?
Unfortunately, the vast majority of rabbits infected with RHDV either die within 1-2 days or must be euthanized for humane reasons. Only a very small percentage of adult rabbits may survive infection with proper supportive care. However, recovered rabbits continue to harbor the virus and can still transmit it to others.
Are wild rabbits a risk for spreading VHD to pet rabbits?
Yes, wild rabbits and hares can contract RHDV and spread it to domestic rabbits. Do not allow pet rabbits access to areas frequented by wild rabbits. Double fencing, buried wire barriers, and other precautions are necessary to protect outdoor hutches.
Can I eat or skin rabbits that died from VHD?
No, rabbits that died of confirmed or suspected VHD should never be used for meat or pelts. The virus persists in tissues after death. Proper disposal of the entire carcass via incineration or deep burial is necessary.
How long does VHD virus persist in the environment?
RHDV is extremely hardy and can survive for months or years in contaminated organic matter, soil, grass, feces, and other materials. The virus can remain infectious at cool temperatures. Thorough cleaning and disinfection is required to eliminate environmental contamination.
Can other animals besides rabbits get VHD?
No, RHDV only infects rabbits and hares. Dogs, cats, rodents, birds, and other pets and livestock do not catch or transmit this virus. However, they can carry the virus mechanically on their feet or bodies.
Is there a vaccine that can fully protect rabbits from VHD?
Vaccines are available against RHDV, but their efficacy varies depending on the vaccine and virus strain. Vaccination provides only partial protection and should be used in conjunction with strict biosecurity measures. There is no vaccine effective against all variants of RHDV.
What disinfectant is best to kill VHD virus?
RHDV is susceptible to most disinfectants including 10% bleach, phenolic compounds, strong alkalis like lye, or iodine solutions. Heating contaminated items to 60°C for an hour also inactivates the virus. Thorough cleaning before disinfection is key.
How long should I quarantine new rabbits to prevent VHD?
Incoming rabbits should undergo a minimum 30 day quarantine period to check for signs of illness before introducing them to your facility or existing rabbits. Longer quarantine periods are advisable when VHD is suspected in the area.
| Signs of VHD | Prevention Tips | Disinfectants |
|---|---|---|
| High fever | Quarantine new rabbits | 10% bleach solution |
| Breathing issues | Isolate sick rabbits | Phenolic compounds |
| Sudden death | Avoid contact with wild rabbits | 0.5% lye solution |
| Neurological signs | Clean/disinfect housing | Iodine solutions |
| Bloody discharge | Do not share equipment | 60°C heated items |
Key Takeaways
- Viral hemorrhagic disease is a highly infectious and fatal viral condition affecting rabbits.
- The RHDV virus causes extensive internal organ damage and bleeding.
- Strict biosecurity and thorough disinfection is required to eliminate VHD virus.
- Immediately isolate and evaluate sick rabbits showing signs like fever, neurological issues, or bloody discharge.
- There is no treatment once rabbits are infected, only supportive care.
- Protect rabbits via quarantine, vaccination, housing indoors, preventing contact with wild rabbits.
- Notify authorities if unexplained rabbit deaths occur to test for VHD.
- Proper carcass disposal and facility disinfection is crucial to contain potential VHD outbreaks.
- With vigilant prevention and surveillance, rabbit owners can effectively manage VHD risks.