Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD / RHDV2) Highly contagious viral hepatitis of rabbits (Lagovirus) with 50–100% mortality. Affects domestic and wild rabbits and hares. Not transmissible to humans or other livestock. Transmission Direct: Rabbit-to-rabbit contact Oral and respiratory exposure Indirect (high risk): Fomites (cages, feeders, clothing, shoes, hands) Insects (flies) Contaminated feed, forage, bedding Carcasses/environment Mechanical spread through people and equipment is well documented � campagnolo2003.pdf Timelines (Understand This Correctly) 1. True Incubation (lab): Typically 1–3 days 2. Acute Disease Course: Death often 12–72 hours after fever onset Many cases = sudden death 3. Field Exposure Timeline (real-world): Can extend weeks after exposure due to: low-dose vector transmission partial immunity (prior exposure/vaccine) subclinical infection repeated exposure Clinical Signs Sudden death (common) Fever, lethargy, anorexia Respiratory distress Neurologic signs (paddling, seizures) Blood/froth from nose (not always present) Carriers & Shedding Subclinical infections occur Survivors can shed virus ~1 month or longer � campagnolo2003.pdf Vaccinated rabbits can still carry and shed Quarantine 14 days = insufficient alone 30 days minimum 45+ days preferred in higher-risk situations When to Report RHD is a reportable disease (U.S.) Report when: Sudden unexplained deaths Cluster deaths Strong clinical suspicion Do NOT wait for lab confirmation Report as suspected pending confirmation Diagnosis Confirm via PCR (liver preferred) Necropsy findings supportive but not definitive Control Vaccination (where available) Strict biosecurity Insect control No outside forage in outbreak zones Proper disinfection (clean first, then disinfect) Key Reality RHD is not just a fast outbreak disease anymore. It is now: rapid and lethal in some cases silent and persistent in others That combination is what makes it dangerous.