Beaver State News

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV) in domestic rabbits at a rabbitry in Douglas County. The rabbit’s owner reported sudden deaths among the animals to their veterinarian, who then notified the ODA. The Oregon Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory at Oregon State University verified the RHDV diagnosis on April 14, 2025, leading to the implementation of a quarantine for the remaining rabbits at the facility.

The affected rabbits were housed outdoors, raising concerns about potential exposure to wild rabbits. However, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has not detected RHDV in wild rabbits in Western Oregon, although the virus is known in wild populations in Central and Eastern Oregon.

RHDV is a viral disease that can cause sudden death in rabbits, with symptoms including respiratory or neurological signs and bloody nasal discharge. The virus spreads quickly through contact with infected animals, their remains, or objects that have come into contact with them. Importantly, "RHDV poses no human health risk. The virus only infects rabbits and does not pose a risk to humans."

To prevent the spread of RHDV, it is advised to wash and disinfect hands, clothing, gloves, footwear, cages, and equipment when handling rabbits from different sources. New rabbits should be quarantined for 30 days away from existing ones to monitor for the disease. Pet rabbits should be kept indoors to minimize exposure to potentially contaminated environments. Concerns or reports of sick or dead rabbits where RHDV is suspected should be directed to the ODA at 503-986-4711.

Public cooperation is being sought by ODA and ODFW to track the virus’s spread. "Please call 503-986-4711 to report domestic or feral (domestic animals that escaped into the wild or were abandoned) rabbits suspected of having died from RHDV. To report the death of wild rabbits, contact ODFW by calling 1-866-968-2600." Rabbit owners are also encouraged to consult their veterinarians for more information on RHDV prevention measures.