News
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease detected in Illinois
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2) has been detected for the first time in Illinois.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture reports a domestic rabbit in Cook County was diagnosed last week. Prior to that, the disease had never been detected in domestic or wild rabbits in the state.
RHDV2 is a contagious, viral disease of rabbits that causes hemorrhaging from the nose or mouth and can lead to sudden death. Affected rabbits may be lethargic and have respiratory problems.
IDOA says the disease has been found in many areas of the country, especially in western states. Any suspected cases in domestic rabbits should be reported to the Illinois Department of Agriculture and reports of wild rabbits exhibiting symptoms can be directed to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
IDOA encourages domestic rabbit owners to prevent contact with wild rabbits, keep rabbits up off the ground when outdoors and wash hands in between handling rabbits. Rabbits taken to shows should be quarantined afterwards and exhibitors should be careful not to share equipment. The USDA has granted an emergency use authorization for a RHDV2 prevention vaccine.
Visit the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s website for more information.
We’ve had alot of rabbits in our front yard and back yard.
I try to chase them out but they seem to return
Not sure where thier nest is I saw one digging in back yard
to make a nest but shooed it away.