A highly contagious and deadly virus that affects rabbits and hares was first discovered in Ontario.
Two cases of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus-2 (RHDV-2) were reported earlier in June in Lambton County, southwestern Ontario. Recorded earlier in Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec, it is not known that hemorrhagic disease of rabbits affects humans or other species.
“This is the first time RHDV-2 has been diagnosed in Ontario,” the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said in a statement to CTVNews.ca. “The origin of the infection is currently unknown.
The infected domestic rabbits were in the same household that was quarantined after the diagnoses.
“The investigation has been completed and no high-risk contacts have been identified that could lead to the spread of the disease from this room,” a CFIA spokesman said. “The CFIA is cooperating with the province and continues to monitor the situation.”
According to the CFIA, haemorrhagic disease in rabbits “is a sudden, highly contagious and fatal viral disease” that is spread through contact with infected body fluids, feces and objects. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, bloodstains in the eyes, frothy and bloody runny nose, and neurological signs such as difficulty walking and paralysis.
“Once exposed to the virus, rabbits usually become ill within one to five days,” the CFIA newsletter explained. “Death is common after a short period of illness. Death can also occur suddenly without symptoms.”
The CFIA says domestic rabbits and European breeds are most at risk of infection. Anyone who suspects that their rabbit is suffering from haemorrhagic rabbit disease should contact their veterinarian immediately.
“The best way for owners and producers to protect their rabbits is to routinely follow strict biosecurity measures, as stated on our website,” a CFIA spokesman told CTVNews.ca. These measures include thorough disinfection of the equipment and restriction of contact with animals.
Hemorrhagic rabbit vaccines are available in Europe and the United States, but are not commercially approved in Canada. Canadian veterinarians can request vaccines through CFIA. In 2018, the vaccines were imported from France amid an outbreak in British Columbia
Although consumption is steadily declining in Canada, rabbit meat is not uncommon in countries such as China, Italy, Spain and France. According to Canadian statistics, there were nearly 1,500 rabbit farms in Canada in 2021, down from almost 6,400 in 1996; Ontario has the most.
“While the meat of rabbits infected with [rabbit hemorrhagic disease] It is not known to cause disease in humans, the handling and movement of their meat can contribute to the spread of the virus, “the CFIA newsletter said.” Because the virus is very resistant to the environment and survives temperature extremes, including freezing, anyone who works with rabbits or rabbit meat is strongly encouraged to follow good hygiene practices. “
Hemorrhagic disease of rabbits occurs throughout Europe and in Australia, New Zealand, Cuba and parts of Africa and Asia. Epidemics have occasionally occurred in Canada and the United States, including in 2011, 2016, and 2018.
“Rabbits can become infected through direct contact with other infected rabbits or through contact with the virus in their environment, including bedding, housing, dishes, insects such as flies and mosquitoes. A spokesman for the Ontario Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs told CTVNews.ca. “People can accidentally bring the virus into their homes with clothes and shoes. RHDV-2 can also be transmitted through fresh or fodder and hay that comes from an endemic area. “
Add Comment