Mary Allen
RHD (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease) is caused by a calicivirus (RHDV) and has been known since the 1980s. In the late 1990s, another variant of RHDV was identified, which was first detected in Germany in 2013. So today we speak of the “classic form” and the RHDV-2 virus.
Transmission
Transmission occurs primarily through direct contact but is also possible indirectly through food, people, transport cages, or passively through insects.
Clinical picture
The course of the disease is usually peracute and owners often report the sudden death of their rabbit, which was completely healthy up to that point.
High fever, bloody nasal discharge, generalized coagulation disorders, and shortness of breath with cramps can occur, and the sick animals usually die within a short time.
In contrast to the new RHDV-2 variant, young animals between the ages of 8 and 10 weeks do not contract the classic form.
Therapy
Unfortunately, due to the fulminant course, every treatment usually comes too late.
Prevention
Vaccinations for both virus variants are available, well-tolerated and the best protection against deadly infections.
Protective measures at home
- Installing fly screens
- No contact with wild rabbits/hares or feeding green fodder from meadows
- Never bury dead rabbits in the garden, as the virus can survive in the soil for a long time. Dead animals should only be cremated.