A highly contagious and deadly virus has been found in domestic rabbits in southwestern Oregon, according to the state Department of Agriculture.
The agency identified the virus, known as Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, after the owner of a Douglas County rabbitry reported multiple sudden rabbit deaths to a veterinarian last week.
State officials confirmed the diagnosis on Monday after lab tests at Oregon State University’s Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory. Most of the rabbits at the property have died. The few that remain are now under strict quarantine.
The rabbits were kept outdoors, and officials believe the rabbits could have come into contact with wild ones carrying the virus. While Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus had not yet been found in wild rabbits in western Oregon, the virus is known to be present in wild populations in central and eastern Oregon.
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus is highly contagious among rabbits but poses no risk to humans or other animals.
The virus spreads through direct contact with infected rabbits or contaminated fur, meat, equipment or surfaces. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, loss of coordination, lethargy and bloody discharge from the nose — but in many cases, death comes before any visible signs.
State officials are advising rabbit owners to quarantine any new rabbits for 30 days, thoroughly disinfect equipment and clothing after handling rabbits, and keep pet rabbits indoors to prevent exposure to potentially infected environments. Rabbit owners can also contact their veterinarian for more information on preventing the virus.
Officials are also asking the public to help track the viral disease by reporting any sudden rabbit deaths — whether domestic, feral or wild.
Those who suspect cases of the virus in pet rabbits or notice sudden rabbit deaths in their area can call the Oregon Department of Agriculture at 503-986-4711. For wild rabbits, contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at 1-866-968-2600 or email Wildlife.Health@odfw.oregon.gov.
—
Kristine de Leon covers consumer health, retail, small business and data enterprise stories. Reach her at kdeleon@oregonian.com.
#Deadly #highly #contagious #virus #afflicts #domestic #rabbits #southwest #Oregon
