In December 2021, new cases of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type-2 were confirmed in New York and Kentucky, bringing the total of affected states to 18.
Officials report a death rate of about 90 percent, which is why strict precautions must be taken by rabbit guardians, including vaccination.”
There have been confirmed RHDV2 cases in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming, as well as in Canada and Mexico, affecting wild and domestic rabbits.
Source: House Rabbit Society, December 2021. Link. A new, U.S.-based RHDV2 vaccine was given Emergency Use Authorization in October 2021. Previously, to import the European vaccines, State Veterinarians were requiring a confirmed case of RHDV within their state. With the new Medgene RHDV2 vaccine, that’s no longer the process. Forty-three states have authorized use of the new vaccine as well as Washington, D.C. Use this link to learn more about the Medgene vaccine. Link.
Also see: Printable Handout for RHDV2 Education, December 12, 2021. Link.