Deadly rabbit virus found on Lopez and Orcas Islands

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus News

Deadly rabbit virus found on Lopez and Orcas Islands
RHDV2Lopez IslandOrcas Island
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The highly contagious, fatal Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 (RHDV2) was found in rabbits on Lopez and Orcas Islands in San Juan County.

FILE - Image of a rabbit in the hands of veterinarians. A Pierce County animal shelter is asking for donations and foster applications after more than 240 rabbits were confiscated from a Puyallup property on Feb. 16.

The highly contagious, fatal Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 was found in rabbits on Lopez and Orcas Islands in San Juan County. The Washington State Department of Agriculture state veterinarian’s office confirmed the disease’s presence after suspected rabbits sent for testing had positive results.In 2022, the state vet’s office authorized emergency use of the Medgene vaccine for RHDV2, which WSDA said is now available to all veterinarians in Washington.

WSDA said that due to the contagious and extremely infectious nature of this virus, vaccination is critical for disease control to protect our domestic and wild rabbit populations alike. State veterinarians also said that rabbit owners should ensure their rabbits do not encounter wild or domestic-feral rabbits, elevate their hutches, or bring them inside.

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RHDV2 Lopez Island Orcas Island Washington State Department Of Agriculture Vaccination Biosecurity Domestic Rabbits

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