Two cases of a deadly rabbit disease found in East Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Two domesticated rabbits in East Tennessee were being verified to be contaminated with Rabbit Hemorrhagic Sickness Virus Kind 2 (RHDV2) on Friday, Jan 28 by the State Veterinarian. Equally rabbits were being situated in the exact same place and there were being no other rabbits on the premises.

“This detection is an isolated incident with no known exposure to any other rabbits, domestic or wild,” Point out Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Beaty claimed. “RHDV2 is not transmissible to humans, but it is really infectious and fatal to domestic rabbits. We want to remind rabbit owners that practising great biosecurity is the best protection.”

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Sickness is a hugely infectious, and lethal animal sickness. The RHDV2 virus can bring about immediate-onset illness and the condition Section of Agriculture (TDA) says frequently the only indicator of ailment is sudden death in domestic and wild rabbits, wild hares, and pikas. Other signs and symptoms include things like lethargy, decreased hunger, labored respiratory, inflammation and inside bleeding.

TDA said that the virus can remain in feed and bedding for an extended time, even in extraordinary temperatures. They strongly recommend rabbit house owners comprehensively clean up and disinfect surfaces, products, shoes, dresses, and arms when managing the animals.

Other instructed measures to avoid RHDV2 involve separating domestic rabbits from other pets, livestock, and wild animals. It is encouraged that recently obtained rabbits be quarantined for at minimum 30 days from other animals. If you own a rabbit that instantly dies, the demise should be claimed to the condition veterinarian’s place of work at 615-837-5120.

For this case, TDA states that Animal Overall health workers are searching into the resource of the virus. No added motion restrictions or point out veterinarian unexpected emergency orders have been issued at this time. Nevertheless, no inclined species may well enter Tennessee from an region that is under state or federal quarantine for RHDV2.

For the most latest map of RHDV2 outbreaks, pay a visit to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Wellbeing Inspection Company internet site.