What disease do rabbits carry in Colorado?
Tularemia is a fatal bacterial disease of rabbits and rodents that can spread to humans and other species. Rabbits, hares • Beavers, other rodents • Less commonly, other species including domestic animals and humans. Tularemia is caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis.
Is there a disease going around for rabbits?
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is a fatal disease in rabbits and is classified as a foreign animal disease in the United States. In February 2020, animal health officials detected rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus serotype 2 (RHDV2) for the third time in the United States, since 2018.
What is the new rabbit disease?
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) has been diagnosed as the cause of death in wild and domestic rabbits in New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and Colorado, as well as domestic rabbits in Nevada and Utah and wild rabbits in California. To date, the virus has not been found in Nebraska.
Can humans get RHDV2?
RHDV2 is a fatal, viral disease that affects both domestic and wild rabbits, including hares, jackrabbits and cottontails. It does not affect human health or other animal species. 2.
How do rabbits get sick?
Rabbits are obligate nasal breathers and have especially delicate respiratory systems which can make them prone to upper respiratory infections. “Snuffles” is a generalized term often bestowed upon rabbits suffering from a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.
What kind of diseases do wild rabbits carry?
Zoonotic diseases associated with rabbits include pasteurellosis, ringworm, mycobacteriosis, cryptosporidiosis and external parasites. Rabbits can transmit bacteria through bites and scratches.
Why are my wild rabbits dying?
A new deadly virus, rabbit hemorrhagic disease, is killing thousands of wild rabbits in the US. A deadly virus is spreading across the southwestern United States and killing wild rabbits on this continent for the first time, wildlife officials say.
What is Rhdv?
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a calicivirus of the genus Lagovirus that causes rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) in adult European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).
How do I protect my rabbit from RHDV2?
With that said, there are measures all rabbit owners can and should take to keep their animals healthy from RHDV2. These measures include: Wash your hands with soap and water before and after interacting with your rabbits. Do not introduce new rabbits from unknown or untrusted sources.
How contagious is RHD?
Epidemiology and transmission. Both viruses causing RHD are extremely contagious. Transmission occurs by direct contact with infected animals, carcasses, bodily fluids (urine, feces, respiratory secretions), and hair. Surviving rabbits may be contagious for up to 2 months.
What kind of disease does a rabbit have?
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Serotype 2 is a highly contagious and fatal disease of domestic rabbits and wild rabbits. This is a foreign animal disease (FAD) and is of high concern at the state and federal levels.
Can you get tularemia from a dead rabbit?
However, multiple dead or sick rabbits can also be a sign of tularemia or plague, diseases that can cause serious illness in people. Do not handle or consume sick or dead wildlife, and do not allow pets to contact or consume wildlife carcasses.
What to do if your rabbit has RHDV2?
Owners: Rabbit owners who have questions about the disease should contact their veterinarian. Domestic: Veterinarians and owners must report suspected RHDV2 cases in domestic rabbits to the State Veterinarian’s Office at 303-869-9130. Disease investigations will be completed by a Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostician.
What are the signs of an infected rabbit?
Clinical signs: Often the only signs of the disease are sudden death and possibly blood-stained noses caused by internal bleeding. Infected rabbits may also develop a fever, be hesitant to eat, or show respiratory or nervous signs.