Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2)
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type-2 (RHDV2) is a highly contagious and deadly virus that affects both wild and domestic rabbits.
Since March 2020, RHDV2 has been actively spreading in the United States, as well as in Canada and Mexico. Officials report a death rate of about 90% in unvaccinated rabbits. RHDV2 cannot be transferred to humans. Indoor-only rabbits are at risk of RHDV2. The virus can be transferred to them by people (on their shoes and clothes), other animals (including dogs and cats, especially if they go outside), and even insects. The most important thing you can do to protect your rabbit is to get them vaccinated.
RHDV is now considered endemic to the SF Bay Area. The following California counties have had recorded cases of the virus:
Alameda
Colusa
Glenn
Fresno
Inyo
Kern
Los Angeles
Marin
Mendocino
Mono
Napa
Orange
Riverside
Sacramento
San Benito
San Bernardino
San Diego
San Luis Obispo
Santa Clara
Solano
Sonoma
Stanislaus
Yolo
Ventura
Alameda
Colusa
Glenn
Fresno
Inyo
Kern
Los Angeles
Marin
Mendocino
Mono
Napa
Orange
Riverside
Sacramento
San Benito
San Bernardino
San Diego
San Luis Obispo
Santa Clara
Solano
Sonoma
Stanislaus
Yolo
Ventura
Even if a county is not listed as having a confirmed case, it is highly suspected that RHDV2 is present in those areas due to high human foot traffic across the Bay Area via commuters, vacationers and regular cross-county errand running.
The Vaccine
In October 2021, a new, U.S.-based RHDV2 vaccine was given Emergency Use Authorization: the Medgene RHDV2 vaccine. The Medgene RHDV2 vaccine is safe and effective. So far, Medgene safety testing studies report only rare instances of swelling at the injection site which resolves within 48 hours. Other possible side effects are a temporary slight fever and/or lethargy for 1-2 days.
The Medgene vaccine is a 2-shot vaccine series consisting of the initial vaccination and a booster vaccination 21 days later. BOTH shots are required for vaccine efficacy. Full efficacy for this vaccine is 14 days after the second shot. At this time, it is recommended that rabbits are vaccinated YEARLY.