RHDV Reported in Western Oregon

A deadly virus has been found in domestic rabbits in Oregon's Douglas County.  State Department of Agriculture officials said Wednesday Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease has been confirmed following testing.  A veterinarian suspected RHDV and reported the incident to ODA. 

Fish and Wildlife officials have found RHDV in wild rabbits in Central and Eastern Oregon, but it is rare west of the Cascades.  ODA said the virus is "highly contagious" among rabbit populations.  It can spread through contact with infected rabbits, meat, fur, or materials coming into contact with them.  RHDV poses no human health risk.  The virus only infects rabbits and does not pose a risk to humans.

How can I prevent the spread of RHDV?

• 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 or feral rabbits or by people, vehicles, or implements that can spread the disease.
• Immediately contact ODA (503-986-4711) if you suspect RHDV or have sick or freshly dead rabbits.

ODA and ODFW ask the public to report rabbit mortalities to track the virus's presence and movement.   You are asked to call (503) 986-4711 to report domestic  or feral (domestic animals that escaped into the wild or were abandoned) rabbits suspected of having died from RHDV.  To report the death of wild rabbits, contact ODFW by calling (tollfree) (866) 968-2600 or E-mail the Department.

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