Outbreak of Rabbit Viral Hemorrhagic Disease (RVHD) in Pine County, MINNESOTA

Rabbits Online Forum

Help Support Rabbits Online Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

TinysMom

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2005
Messages
15,929
Reaction score
42
Location
, Texas, USA
This was shared on the lionhead list by Pamela Alley who is a vet tech and very active on the showbunny site. It is considered to be reliable.

Today we were notified of a small occurrence (25 rabbits) of Rabbit Viral Hemorrhagic Disease (RVHD) in Pine County, MINNESOTA. All rabbits on the premises have died or been euthanized, and at this time there is no further known spread. However, as this 'index premises' was one which collected rabbits from multiple sources, we do not know the initial source of the disease.

Should you panic? NO! While frightening in its tenacity and ease of transmission, this disease can be managed and limited in spread by common precautions. It should never be treated lightly or disregarded.

We STRONGLY encourage those in Minnesota and the surrounding area to think carefully about any unexplained deaths in their herds and to take the appropriate steps for accurate diagnosis should symptoms and signs indicate any possibility of RVHD. If you have any doubts, contact your State Veterinarian for assistance--or contact the Rabbit Industry Council at 530-534-7390 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting530-534-7390end_of_the_skype_highlighting or [email protected] ***Please see further details at the end of this email!!**

We also STRONGLY encourage all shows and exhibitors to use an appropriate disinfectant (see below) on all coops, carpets, and equipment. If you are uncertain of your herd health status, please stay home until you get it straightened out.

A PDF with all this information is available at http://www.showbunny.com/RVHD/InfoSheet_06-13-05.pdf . While the document is not yet updated to the current outbreak as yet (pending further, more detailed information), it is accurate and highly useful regarding prevention, management, and reporting of this deadly disease.

*****CURRENT OUTBREAK INFORMATION*****

On 4-22-10, a report was made to the OIE which noted that beginning in early February of 2010, rabbits at a facility in PINE COUNTY, MINNESOTA which collected rabbits for use as food at a wildlife rehabilitation center began to die at a startling rate, with 20 dying initially. This was thought to be due to feed contamination, but as further rabbits brought onto the property also died rapidly without clinical disease, a sample was submitted to a private laboratory for analysis.

WE CANNOT PRAISE THIS FACILITY ENOUGH FOR TAKING THIS STEP! It is vital that we all investigate unexpected deaths, especially multiple deaths, with diligence and care.

The sample was suspected to be positive for RVHD and further testing was done by the Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and found to be definitively positive on enzyme-linked immunoassay testing for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus. The property was then thoroughly decontaminated and any remaining rabbits euthanized. Free ranging rabbits in the area are being trapped and surveilled for signs of the disease. (While native species are not susceptible, it is not known if there are feral domestics in the area.)

As of this point in time, this is the limited information we have. We're working on re-establishing contacts within USDA/APHIS to be able to bring you more and more detailed information as soon as possible.
*************************

*****RVHD IMPORTANT INFORMATION******

Symptoms and Forms of the Disease:
The disease seems to appear in three ways; the first and most common is called PERACUTE and is simply a dead rabbit in the cage from one visit to the next.

The ACUTE form is represented by a lethargic, depressed, off-feed animal that dies in the space of 1-2 days, shows incoordination and signs of pain before death, and may show clear or bloodstained nasal froth or discharge. A temperature of 105-106 degrees F may be present upon initial examination.

A small number (<5%) may survive up to two weeks with symptoms including jaundice, diarrhea and mucous in the stool, but this is much less commonly seen.

The third form, called SUBACUTE or transient, is much milder; the rabbit may show some signs of illness, then recover and are immune.

This is the most likely source of an asymptomatic carrier animal, as infective material is shed in urine and feces for at least 30 days, and the animal itself may act as a carrier for far longer. This form is most common in animals under 4 months of age, and less common in older animals.

Prevention and Control:

The nature of the VHD organism is such that it is highly contagious, easily spread, has a varied range of morbidity (number of animals contracting the disease) and extremely high mortality (number of animals dying from the disease).

The virus is quite 'sticky'; it is easily moved about by transportation provided by animate and inanimate objects, such as clothes, shoes, show jackets, carriers, people, dogs, predators, tires, birds, etc. It is also very hardy, surviving both heat and cold handily.

Careful sanitation and disinfection are imperative to halting or limiting the spread of VHD, as is the maintenance of a closed herd.

Recommended disinfectants are those with a spectrum of activity covering Hepatitis E and Norwalk virus.

The disinfectants recommended by USDA are 2% One-Stroke Environ (Steris Corp, St. Louis, MO), .5% sodium hypochlorite, or 10% household bleach. Virkon is another brand of disinfectant which has been mentioned.
 
Wow!!!

I'm guessing this is really deadly?
I think I'm bumping up spring cleaning to next weekend!! That way I can kill anything on my carriers, etc. Specially since I just came back from a show this weekend.

Emily
 
this was just posted on arba.net



Dear ARBA members:

The ARBA has confirmed reports that there has been an isolated case of RHD (Rabbit Calicivirus) in the state of Minnesota. The incidence occurred in February, however testing just recently confirmed that it was indeed a case of RHD. There is no cause for alarm despite the fact that the source of the virus is yet unknown. The case occurred at a private residence in which the rabbits were only temporarily housed. The persons in possession of the rabbits were not involved with commercial production of rabbits, exhibiting rabbits, or sales of pets; they were involved with a wildlife rehabilitation group. The reason the ARBA had not been contacted earlier was become this was a very isolated incident and test results were only recently received. RHD is not a problem in the US and there are no quarantines in place or anticipated. Canada has banned importation of rabbits and rabbit products from Minnesota until further notice. Again, it is important to note that there is limited need for alarm as there has been no evidence that this is anything other than an isolated incident at a non-commercial or non-hobbyist residence. We will notify you of additional information as it becomes available. I am confident that the Canadian ban could be lifted by the time of our ARBA National Convention in November, so our neighbors to the north may participate in this event.

Eric Stewart
ARBA Executive Director
 
Have there ever been cases in Washington State? Our local (Langley, Washington) vet does not give the vaccine. Anyone know of a clinic in Washington State that does? Or perhaps in the North part of Oregon? Thanks.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top