Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RDHV2) is now considered “stable endemic” in Wyoming.  

Domestic Rabbits

Testing may be performed at the WSVL.  RHDV2 testing will be a combined assay with two other pathogens causing death in rabbits, tularemia, and plague.  This will be performed at the owner's expense.  See our Shipping page for more information about submitting samples.

 

Wild or Feral Rabbits

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is currently conducting opportunistic surveillance for this disease and asks if rabbit carcasses are found and RHDV2 suspected, please contact the local regional WGFD office, or Wildlife Health Laboratory at (307) 745-5865.  If needing to handle carcasses, please use caution and wear gloves/additional PPE, as dead rabbits could also potentially carry zoonotic diseases. 

 

RDHV2 Vaccine

Currently, there are no licensed RHDV2 vaccines produced in the United States.  The USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics is approving importation of two RHDV2 vaccines from Europe. Accredited veterinarians may import vaccine at the discretion of the state veterinarian.  An APHIS import permit is required. The accredited veterinarian is responsible for international shipment logistics of the vaccine.

For a list of veterinary clinics who have received the vaccine in Wyoming, please contact the Wyoming State Veterinarian’s office, 307.857.4140 or 307.777.6440.


Contact Us

Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory
1174 Snowy Range Rd
Laramie, WY 82070

Phone: (307) 766-9925
Toll Free: 1-800-442-8331
Fax: 307-721-2051
Email: vetrec@uwyo.edu


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