Breaking News: Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus
- Dr. Michelle Loh
- Sep 19, 2020
- 4 min read
On 17 September 2020, the NParks Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) informed vets and the public of the detection of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus, which was previously not known to be present in Singapore.
The disease caused by this virus is very infectious and deadly to rabbits. It doesn't affect any other pet species or humans.
What?
- A rabbit-specific calicivirus that attacks the liver
- The virus survives very well in the environment even on dry surfaces, frozen and hot environments
- Causes fever, appetite loss, lethargy (tiredness), difficulty breathing
- Can also cause neurological (brain) infection, leading to abnormal behaviour and movement.
- Bleeding disorders usually occur, seen as bleeding from the nose or mouth, or bruises and micro-bleeds under the skin
- Rabbits that are more gradually affected may have jaundice (yellowing of the skin, gums, sclera/white part of the eyes)
Where?
- Spread from other infected rabbits and any waste or fluids produced by their bodies
- Can spread via contaminated items such as rabbit food, humans, materials exposed to RHDV-infected rabbits
- Insects such as flies, mosquitoes and fleas can also carry the virus from infected rabbits to other rabbits.
How?
- After exposure to the virus, the incubation period (where your rabbit may not look sick yet) is 1-9 days
- Once rabbits appear sick from RHDV, they usually die within 36 hours
- Slower chronic disease of the liver sometimes occurs, where the rabbit appears sick for a few weeks
How do I keep my rabbit safe?
- Do not bring your rabbit out, unless you are taking it to the vet.
- Whenever your rabbit leaves the house, keep it inside a sturdy carrier instead of on leash
- While outside, avoid contact with strangers and other animals, and don't allow your rabbit out of the carrier except onto well-disinfected surfaces.
- Avoid contact with other people's rabbits. However if you have touched rabbits outside the house, try to shower thoroughly immediately when you get home, and keep your used clothes away from your own rabbits until they are laundered.
- Ensure all visitors to your house have thoroughly washed their hands with soap before touching your rabbits. Minimise your rabbits' contact with people from other households if possible.
- Disinfect the surfaces of all newly-purchased rabbit foods, toys and accessories. Ensure the disinfectants are cleaned off before giving them to your rabbits.
- Disinfectants effective against RHDV include 10% household bleach (leave on surfaces for at least 5 minutes), 1% Virkon-S and 2% One-Stroke Environ (leave on for at least 10 minutes). Take safety precautions for human skin and eyes when using these disinfectants, as they are harsh chemicals.
- Quarternary ammonium disinfectants are NOT effective at inactivating RHDV. Examples of ineffective disinfectants for RHDV include Lysol, Clorox wipes and alcohol wipes.
- Purchase rabbit food, hay and snacks from reputable brands. Consider purchasing feeds that are sterilised by autoclave or gamma irradiation.
What should I do if I think my rabbit is sick?
Consult a veterinarian immediately for any sick rabbits that appear suddenly lethargic or not eating, as this disease can result in death within 1-2 days. This is especially if you see RHDV-related symptoms like bleeding from the nostrils or mouth. It is highly advisable to call up the vet clinic first to check whether they have the facilities and expertise to diagnose and treat your rabbit. While waiting to see the vet, stay away from other pet rabbits and avoid touching your rabbit after touching surfaces in public until you sanitise your hands. For a quick preliminary assessment of your rabbit's situation, you can book an online telemedicine consultation if you're not sure whether your rabbit needs to visit the vet clinic.
If you have more than 1 rabbit, it is important to immediately separate the affected rabbit from other healthy rabbits at home, and practice strict hygiene. Avoid touching the healthy rabbits after handling any sick rabbits, until you have showered and changed clothing. Thoroughly clean all surfaces of the rabbit enclosures using one of the disinfectants listed above, and return your healthy rabbits to the enclosure after washing away the disinfectant fully.
There is currently no medication that can target RHDV specifically. Intensive hospital care to help rabbits cope with the blood loss and liver disease are the only way to help rabbits try to fight off the virus, but note that the death rate for RHDV infections is extremely high even with treatment.
What can we do about this horrible disease?
AVS is working hard to source and approve RHDV vaccines which are currently available in Europe. Check the AVS website periodically to be informed when it is available, so you can take your rabbits to be vaccinated.
If your rabbit has died suddenly at home and you suspect it may have contracted this virus, it's still helpful to discuss speak to a vet about this, as it can help other rabbit owners if we have a better understanding of the spread and distribution of RHDV in Singapore. RHD is a notifiable disease - vets who diagnose this virus in their patients will report the occurrence to AVS, which will help everyone understand the outbreak more quickly to keep the rabbit community safe.
While it is a terrible and aggressive viral disease, most rabbits will be safe from infection if they stay at home in a clean environment. As with all creatures, maintaining good nutrition and preventative care against other parasites will help your rabbit have a strong immune system to defend against infection. If you're unfamiliar with the health and nutritional requirements of your pet rabbits, you can seek veterinary guidance from the comfort of your home via a telemedicine consultation.
Stay safe and remember to eat your hay!
References:
1. Spickler, Anna Rovid. 2020. Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease. Retrieved from http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/DiseaseInfo/factsheets.php.
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