Deadly Rabbit Disease Discovered In North Bay

NAPA COUNTY, CA — A highly infectious deadly disease that affects rabbits and hares was detected in Napa County this week after several wild rabbits were found dead in the area, officials announced.

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease, caused by a form of viral hepatitis, is currently driving a multi-state outbreak. The disease has been reported across several Golden State counties since 2020, but the rabbit deaths near Yountville are the first detections in the Napa area, according to a press release from the county.

The illness does not affect humans and does not pose a threat to humans or food safety, but pet rabbits may be in danger of catching the disease.

RHD is caused by two different related viruses — RHDV1 and RHDV2. The current outbreak is due to the RHDV2 virus.

Of rabbits that are exposed to the virus, almost all die and many times, rabbits do not show signs before suddenly dying.

If they do show signs, they may show fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, muscle spasms, breathing difficulties, blue colored lips, or bleeding from the mouth and nose. It can take between one and five days from the time a rabbit is exposed to the virus before it develops symptoms, county officials said.

The disease can be transmitted by direct contact with an infected rabbit or by contact with an object, person, clothing or equipment that has touched a sick rabbit. Rabbits are able to catch the virus by inhalation, ingestion or absorption through scrapes and wounds.

Last October, a RHDV vaccine became available for distribution in California. Those who have pet rabbits are urged to inquire about the vaccination at their local veterinarian's office.

The county offered the following tips to prevent exposure to pet rabbits:

• If rabbits are housed outside, house them off the ground when possible. Do not use material from outside for food or bedding.
• Do not allow wild rabbits to come into your yard and try to prevent dogs, cats, birds, and other animals from bringing rabbit carcasses onto your property. If you do find deceased wild rabbits, contact CDFW using their mortality reporting webpage.
• Do not spread on your hands or clothing. After handling a rabbit, wash your hands. Avoid handling rabbits that are not yours. Before handling rabbits in different locations, change clothes and shoes as well as wash your hands. Ensure that everyone who visits your rabbits washes their hands thoroughly before touching your rabbits and wears protective clothing such as coveralls, shoe covers, hair covers and gloves.
• Avoid borrowing equipment. If you need to borrow equipment or if you buy used equipment, thoroughly scrub with a 10 percent bleach and water solution (1 part bleach, 9 parts water), leaving it to soak for at least 10 minutes before rinsing and letting dry.
• Do not add new rabbits. If you must, make sure they are kept in a separate housing area. Do not use the same equipment for the new and old rabbits.