The Province is encouraging rabbit owners in the mid-Vancouver Island area to take extra care after several wild rabbits were found dead in Cedar, showing symptoms of rabbit hemorrhagic disease.

The disease has not yet been confirmed as the cause of death in these rabbits, but testing is underway and results are pending. In past years, rabbit hemorrhagic disease has been detected in feral, commercial and pet rabbits in Parksville, the Comox Valley, Nanaimo, Richmond, Delta and Vancouver.

The disease is a highly contagious and often deadly disease that affects only rabbits. Symptoms can include fever, lethargy, respiratory distress, bleeding from the nose or mouth or sudden death.

The virus spreads through direct contact between rabbits and indirectly through contaminated bedding, food, water, cages, clothing, footwear and vehicle tires. The disease does not pose a risk to people or other animals, including cats and dogs. However, rabbit hemorrhagic disease can be carried short distances on the fur, feet or droppings of other animals.

There is no treatment for this disease. However, a vaccine for domestic rabbits is available in B.C. Owners are encouraged to speak with their veterinarian about immunizing their rabbits.

Owners can also help protect their pets by:

• practising good hygiene when handling rabbits or their housing; and
• keeping rabbits away from areas where the disease may be present.

If pet owners notice any signs of illness in their rabbits, they are urged to contact their veterinarian immediately with any concerns. For more information about vaccinations and protecting rabbits from rabbit hemorrhagic disease, owners can reach out to a veterinarian and review the SPCA’s factsheet about the disease: https://spca.bc.ca/news/rhd/