Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Confirmed in El Paso and Prowers Counties

You have likely already heard that earlier this year, RHDV-2, a highly infectious disease, was found in wild rabbits near Calhan and in Prowers County. This disease has a high mortality rate and is expensive to treat.

Pikes Peak Vet and a few others veterinarians in town have the vaccine, so call to find out if your bunny can be protected. This vaccination will need to be boostered on an annual basis. Absent a vaccine, the best way to protect rabbits is with enhanced biosecurity practices, such as not sharing equipment with other rabbit owners and disinfecting all equipment, such as waterers and feeders, that come into contact with any rabbits outside your home. Keep your clothing separate from your domestic bunnies if you have been out in the field. More information about safety practices can be found at the above referenced link.

Should your bunny get sick, please call your veterinarian to discuss symptoms. Treatment generally includes supportive care and keeping infected rabbits isolated from all other animals.

It is important to note that this disease does affect rabbits, hares and pikas. However it does not affect humans and is in a different family than COVID-19.

Read more on the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s website.