Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease
As many of you may know, the Oregon Department of Agriculture has confirmed rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) in a feral domestic rabbit found dead in Milwaukie, a suburb of Portland which has a known feral colony of rabbits. The tested animal was one of eight rabbits found dead on 3/26/21. RHDV2 is a viral disease that causes sudden death in rabbits.
The virus is not only highly contagious among rabbit populations, it can spread through contact with infected rabbits or materials coming into contact with them; but is also extremely deadly. RHDV2 poses no human health risk.
What does this mean for Jade Rabbit Small Animal Rescue (JRSAR)?
This unfortunately means we can no longer take in feral domesticated rabbits or dumped rabbits. We have over 25 rabbits in our care and cannot risk infecting them as well as adopted/foster rabbits. As soon as we have all our rabbits vaccinated we can immediately aid with trapping/rehabilitating feral rabbits again.
What should I do if I find a feral rabbit and I want to save it?
Contact your local rescue! Many rescues may not be able to take in the rabbit but that does not mean we cannot still help. Here with JRSAR we would be happy to help advise people on catching and caring for feral rabbits. However, they must have a foster home lined up that does not have existing rabbits or friends/family with rabbits and is willing to foster for not only 30-60 days but is able to follow extreme biosecurity measures before being caught. We would also be happy to provide all needed supplies for designated fosters. If a proper foster cannot be found we will take note of the location of the ferals and reach back out to catch them as soon as our rabbits are vaccinated.
I caught a feral rabbit what do I do?
If you caught a feral rabbit just know that many rescues may not be able to physically take in the animal for you. We do not recommend catching feral domesticated rabbits at this time. If you do not have a plan in place, are not able to foster the rabbit or are not able to follow strict bio-security measures, please do not catch feral domesticated rabbits. If a place cannot be found for the rabbit it may have to be re-released which is not ideal.
When will we get a vaccine and how do I get my rabbit vaccinated?
Right now every exotic vet in the state is scrambling to get the vaccine and every rabbit rescue in the state is scrambling to get their rabbits vaccinated immediately! Know that the vaccine is not manufactured in the US so it is being imported from manufactures in Europe. It will be extremely expensive for veterinary clinics to import, so please be patient. At this time they are unsure when they will get the vaccine, it could take over a month or longer. We will know more information in the following weeks to come. As soon we know of clinics offering the vaccine we will make a public announcement. The vaccine will not be available for public purchase to take home, you will be required to transport your rabbits to a veterinarian with the vaccine. From what we can tell the average cost for the vaccine should be around $30 per rabbit. If you want to know whether your local veterinarian will be getting the vaccine give them a call, even if they aren't they may be willing to if enough people express an interest. Many vets are currently trying to determine how many vaccines to order so your call could help.
What do I do if I find a deceased rabbit?
Do not touch it and immediately contact ODA and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, as they are tracking the spread.
Please call 1-800-347-7028 or visit https://oda.direct/RHD to report domestic or wild rabbits which are suspected to have died from RHDV2.
How can I prevent the spread of RHDV2?
* Wash and disinfect hands, clothing, gloves, footwear, cages, and equipment between rabbits from different sources.
* Quarantine new rabbits away from existing ones for 30 days.
* Keep pet rabbits inside to avoid exposure to environments potentially contaminated by wild/feral rabbits or by people, vehicles or implements that can spread the disease.
* Immediately contact ODA (800-347-7028) if you suspect RHD or have sick or freshly dead rabbits.
* If you have animals not freshly dead, double plastic bag them and dispose of in a landfill.
(Updated 3/28/21)