A contagious disease has impacted two rabbit colonies in northern Minnesota, prompting officials to advise owners to enhance biosecurity measures and consider vaccination. Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 (RHDV2) has been confirmed in a colony located in Lake of the Woods County, while a second colony nearby is considered presumptively positive. Both outbreaks occurred within a week, with no direct contact reported between the two colonies.
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The first outbreak was identified in August, when approximately 15% of a colony died suddenly. A deceased rabbit was sent to North Dakota State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for examination, which revealed concerning lesions. Confirmatory testing conducted by the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories identified RHDV2 on September 9.
Shortly after the initial report, a second colony less than a mile away reported the rapid deaths of about half its rabbits. Although testing was not performed there, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health has classified the second colony as presumptively positive due to its similar symptoms and proximity to the confirmed outbreak. Neither colony had previously reported infections of RHDV2 or undergone vaccination.
RHDV2 is especially alarming because affected rabbits may suddenly die with little warning. Symptoms can include internal bleeding, which may cause bleeding from the nose, mouth, or rectum before death. The disease has a mortality rate of up to 90% in infected populations, underscoring the importance of proactive prevention.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected rabbits as well as via contaminated surfaces, feed, and water. Wild animals such as insects, birds, and scavengers can also spread the virus. While RHDV2 poses a significant threat to both domestic and wild rabbits, it does not affect human health.
To mitigate the risk of RHDV2, Minnesota officials stress the effectiveness of preventive measures over reactive responses. Vaccination is available, and rabbit owners are encouraged to consult their veterinarians for details. Biosecurity practices, especially for facilities with multiple rabbits, are critical. Recommendations include using specific footwear for rabbit care, washing hands before and after handling, limiting visitor access to rabbit owners, and isolating sick rabbits.
Proper housing practices, such as keeping rabbits indoors and elevating cages, can reduce transmission risk. New rabbits and those returning from events should be quarantined for at least 30 days before joining an existing colony. Additionally, owners are advised against handling sick or deceased wild rabbits, which can be sources of infection. Residents finding sick or dead wild rabbits are urged to contact the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources at 651-296-6157 or 888-MINNDNR, while deaths among domestic rabbits should be reported to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health at 651-296-2942.
RHDV2 can spread rapidly, affecting colonies without direct contact. Vaccination, biosecurity, and timely reporting are essential for protecting rabbit populations from this serious disease. Source: Minnesota Board of Animal Health.