Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Outbreak in Mid-Vancouver Island: Owners Urged to Take Extra Precautions

Rabbit owners in the mid-Vancouver Island area are being advised to take extra precautions after several wild rabbits were found dead in Cedar, showing symptoms of rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD). The disease has been detected in the region before, with outbreaks reported in Parksville, the Comox Valley, Nanaimo, Richmond, Delta, and Vancouver. The disease is highly contagious and often deadly, with symptoms including fever, lethargy, respiratory distress, and bleeding from the nose or mouth. Although it does not pose a risk to people or other animals, owners can help protect their pets by practicing good hygiene and keeping them away from areas where the disease may be present.

Key Takeaways:

• The disease has been detected in the mid-Vancouver Island area, with several wild rabbits found dead in Cedar showing symptoms of RHD.
• Owners are advised to take extra precautions, including speaking with their veterinarian about immunizing their rabbits and practicing good hygiene when handling rabbits or their housing.
• The disease is highly contagious and often deadly, with symptoms including fever, lethargy, respiratory distress, and bleeding from the nose or mouth.
• There is no treatment for the disease, but a vaccine for domestic rabbits is available in B.C.
• Owners are encouraged to keep their rabbits away from areas where the disease may be present and to contact their veterinarian immediately if they notice any signs of illness in their pets.
• The SPCA has a factsheet available for rabbit owners with information on vaccinations and protecting rabbits from RHD.

Statistics:

• Several wild rabbits have been found dead in Cedar, showing symptoms of RHD.
• The disease has been detected in the mid-Vancouver Island area before, with outbreaks reported in Parksville, the Comox Valley, Nanaimo, Richmond, Delta, and Vancouver between past years.
• Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is highly contagious and often deadly, with a mortality rate of [insert percentage] for infected rabbits.
• The disease is typically spread through direct contact between rabbits and indirectly through contaminated bedding, food, water, cages, clothing, footwear, and vehicle tires.
• The disease does not pose a risk to people or other animals, including cats and dogs.

Sources:

• The Province
• SPCA's factsheet about the disease: https://spca.bc.ca/news/rhd/