Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is a highly lethal and easily transmissible disease that impacts rabbits and hares. It is spread through direct contact between rabbits or contaminated materials (including hunting equipment, shoes, etc.). RHDV2 is extremely hardy, able to survive freezing temperatures and remain contagious on surfaces for 3 months.
Although RHDV2 does not pose a risk to humans or other species, it represents a significant threat to New York's wild rabbit and hare populations.
Hunters can help protect these species by following the steps outlined below:
- Avoid contact with domestic rabbits.
- Wear disposable gloves when handling rabbit and hare carcasses.
- Properly dispose of rabbit carcasses in trash that's taken to a landfill or by burying deep enough to prevent scavenging.
- Disinfect all hunting gear after out-of-state travel with a 10% bleach solution.
- Avoid travel to states that have confirmed RHDV2 outbreaks, and do not bring rabbit carcasses killed in other states to New York.
- Avoid transporting rabbits or hares to train hunting dogs.
- Although dogs cannot get sick from RHDV2, they can transmit the virus, so minimize contact between dogs and rabbit carcasses.
- Immediately report sick rabbits or unusual rabbit mortalities to DEC's Wildlife Health Program (518-478-2203; wildlife@dec.ny.gov).
More information on RHDV2, including resources for hunters, can be found on the RHD Awareness Team website at https://bit.ly/3QgeYAU.
Categories: New York, Rural Lifestyle