The first case of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 (RHDV2) in North Carolina has been confirmed in a domestic rabbit located in Dare County. RHDV2 is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that affects both domestic and wild rabbits, with most cases previously reported in the Southwestern United States.
According to State Veterinarian Mike Martin, “Two deceased domestic rabbits were submitted by the owner to a local veterinarian for examination on Jan. 1. Upon examination, the vet noted no lesions that would be consistent with RHDV2. The animals were submitted for laboratory testing and preliminary results indicated non-specific hemorrhagic histological lesions. RHDV2 was then confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory on Jan. 16. Four rabbits out of the five from the location died from the virus, with the one remaining animal having recovered.”
The affected rabbits had been kept indoors but were sometimes allowed restricted outdoor access. The property and surviving rabbit have been under quarantine since concerns about the illness arose, and will remain so until authorities determine there is no further risk of spread. An epidemiological investigation is currently underway.
RHDV is classified as a foreign animal disease in the United States and must be reported to authorities when detected. The ongoing outbreak began in March 2020, with isolated cases appearing in domestic rabbits across parts of the eastern U.S., though these are not believed to be linked to larger outbreaks seen elsewhere.
The virus can kill infected rabbits within nine days, often without warning signs other than sudden death or blood-stained noses caused by internal bleeding. Some rabbits may develop fever, lose appetite, or display respiratory or nervous symptoms such as difficulty breathing or paralysis. The virus is resilient against extreme temperatures and can spread through direct contact between rabbits—living or dead—as well as through contaminated materials, excretions, blood, flea and fly bites, carcasses, food, water, clothing, or shoes worn by people who handle infected animals or contaminated items. However, RHDV2 does not pose a health risk to humans.
Rabbit owners are advised to source feed and bedding from areas not affected by RHDV2 and take steps to prevent indirect transmission.
Martin said: “We encourage rabbit owners that observe unexplained deaths in their domestic rabbits to contact their veterinarian or the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 919-707-3250. Domestic rabbit owners are also encouraged to follow proper quarantine protocols when introducing a new rabbit, as well as keeping domestic rabbits from any potential contact with wild rabbits.”
Currently there is only one approved vaccine for RHDV2 available in the United States; owners should consult their veterinarians regarding vaccination options for their animals. There is no vaccine available for wild rabbit populations.
Additionally, North Carolina requires an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection for any rabbit brought into the state from elsewhere; obtaining this certificate helps protect both farmed and wild rabbit populations within North Carolina.
