Rabbit Hemorrhagic Fever
As you may have heard, Rabbit Hemorrhagic Fever (strain 2) has been identified in feral rabbits in northwest Edmonton. This deadly and highly contagious virus is not a danger to other species, but presents a very real danger to pet, domestic and wild rabbits. Healthy rabbits that contract this virus may suddenly die, or may reduce eating, become lethargic with a fever, or have nose bleeds, progressing to liver failure, trouble breathing, and seizures.
There is a high mortality rate and no specific treatment for this virus, meaning that vaccination is important and recommended for all rabbits in the Edmonton area. Our clinic is currently working to obtain the vaccine, and will contact all owners in our database when it becomes available. If you wish to confirm that your bun is on the list, or have already obtained the vaccine and do not need to be contacted, please feel free to call or email the clinic. The nature of how the vaccine will be given and whether there will be a booster required will depend on what vaccine we manage to procure.
In the meantime, what do you need to know to keep your bunny safe? This is a hardy virus, surviving freezing and thawing, and can stay active in the environment for months. It can be contracted by direct contact with an infected rabbit’s bodily secretions (urine, feces, saliva, hair, eye and nasal secretions) or be transmitted by or on other animals, including birds, insects (flies) rodents, predators, and humans.
Therefore, it would be wise to keep unvaccinated rabbits indoors. Do not bring outdoor plants or grass inside for food or bedding. Keep food and bedding in sealed containers away from rodents and flies. Wash your hands before handling your bunny. Keep your rabbit away from the entryway of your house. Alternatively, use a “foot bath” of 10% bleach to wash off the bottom of your shoes before entering the house. If other animals enter and exit your home (ie - dogs and cats), wash their paws when they enter the house, or keep them away from the area where your rabbit lives.
As always, if you have further questions, please contact the clinic.