NDOW and NDA confirm second case of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 in Nevada


Contact

(LAS VEGAS, Nev.) - June 25, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS

NDOW contact: Doug Nielsen
Phone: 702-468-3298 Cell: 702-468-3298
Email: dnielsen@ndow.org

NDA contact:Ciara Ressel
Phone: 775-525-4160
Email: cressel@agri.nv.gov

Veterinarians with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA), in conjunction with the USDA, have confirmed the first case of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) in Nevada’s wild rabbit population.

RHDV2 has been confirmed in both domestic and wild rabbit populations of Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. Utah has confirmed that a domestic rabbit was recently diagnosed with RHDV2 in that state.

“This disease is highly infectious and highly fatal to rabbits. In this case a desert cottontail rabbit,” said Dr. Nate LaHue, state wildlife veterinarian for NDOW. “According to reports from Arizona and New Mexico, the disease has left large numbers of dead cottontails and black-tailed jackrabbits on the landscape.”

RHDV2 can survive up to 100 days and can be spread through contact with infected rabbits, their meat or fur and other materials such as a handler’s clothing or shoes. While early detection is difficult, some infected rabbits may develop a fever, loss of appetite, show respiratory issues or exhibit blood around the nose. Owners with rabbits exhibiting these signs should contact their local veterinarian immediately.

Anyone who sees two or more cottontails or jack rabbits, or any pygmy rabbits and pikas, that are sick or dead, or has blood coming from their nose or mouth, is encouraged to call NDOW dispatch at 775-688-1500.

“While it is not harmful to humans, it is imperative that owners follow strict biosecurity measures to prevent their pet rabbits from being exposed” said Nevada State Veterinarian Dr. Amy Mitchell.

To help curb the spread of RHDV2, individuals should refrain from touching any dead wild rabbits they may find. LaHue recommends that falconers and hunters should clean all gear and equipment that comes into contact with rabbits with a diluted bleach solution before hunting in a new area to avoid spreading the disease. The ratio of bleach to water should be 1-to-10. Hunted rabbits should be cleaned in the area where they were harvested and only their meat transported home. Falconers should not use rabbits from affected areas as food for their birds.

People who work with wild or domestic rabbits should take the following precautions:

  • Always wash hands with warm, soapy water before entering your rabbit area, before leaving the rabbit area and after removing protective clothing.
  • Never use any clothing, shoes or equipment that have been used in other environments when working around pet rabbits.
  • Change clothing and shower after handling wild rabbits and before coming in contact with your pet rabbit.
  • Prevent pet rabbits from coming in contact with wild rabbits or domestic rabbits from outside of your rabbitry.
  • Sanitize all equipment and cages moved on or off premises before they are returned to the rabbitry.
  • Use separate equipment for newly acquired or sick rabbits to avoid spreading disease.
  • Do not allow visitors in rabbitries or let them handle pet rabbits without protective clothing (including coveralls, shoe covers, hair covering and gloves).

Additional information about RHDV2 can be found online at the USDA website.

ABOUT THE NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. Find us on Facebook, Twitter or visit us at www.ndow.org.

ABOUT THE NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) mission is to preserve, protect and promote Nevada’s agriculture. The department has 150 dedicated employees providing services in its five divisions, Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition, and Plant Industry. The department’s $232 million budget facilitates regulatory and administrative work in agriculture and food manufacturing industries, protecting public and environmental health and worker safety, and providing food distribution and oversight for the United States Department of Agriculture’s school and community nutrition programs.