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RHD Information

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is a virus that has been making it's way across Canada and the United States.

It is a man-made virus that was created to cull the rabbit population in Australia and has since spread to rabbits and hares throughout the world.

It is a very horrible disease that makes those affected literally bleed to death (hemorrhage) and once they show symptoms, there is almost no chance of survival

Things to know

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- RHD is a highly contagious and extremely lethal virus.

 

- ONLY lagomorphs (rabbits, hares and possibly pikas) can get this disease and it can not be transmitted to humans or other animals.

 

- It is difficult to kill and can survive in the environment for many months.

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- Signs of illness generally show within 1-4 days of exposure and is ALMOST ALWAYS LETHAL.

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-There is a vaccine that is effective and now available in Canada for use with domesticated rabbits.

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- As of December 2022, there are NO KNOWN CASES of RHD in Nova Scotia.

Contact your Veterinarian or Fall River Animal Hospital to get your rabbit vaccinated!

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