RHDV2 in Rabbits: The Key Facts 

What Every Rabbit Owner Should Know

At Blue Mountain Hay, we are committed to the health and wellbeing of the animals we serve. High-quality hay plays a critical role in nutrition, but education is just as important when it comes to protecting your rabbit’s long-term health.

In partnership with an experienced veterinarian, we provide evidence-based information to help rabbit owners stay informed. One of the most serious diseases affecting rabbits today is Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2).

This guide explains what RHDV2 is, how it spreads, mortality rates, and what you can do to protect your rabbit.

Is There RHDV1 in Rabbits?

Yes.

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 1 (RHDV1) was first identified in 1984. It primarily affected European rabbits and had a mortality rate of up to 90%.

Key facts about RHDV1:

• Primarily affected adult European rabbits

• Spread through direct contact, contaminated objects, and people

• Young rabbits were partially protected by maternal antibodies

• Caused major economic and ecological disruption across Europe

What Is RHDV2?

RHDV2 was first identified in France in 2010. It is genetically distinct from RHDV1 and is more broadly infectious.

Unlike RHDV1, RHDV2 affects:

• Domestic rabbits

• Wild rabbits

• Hares

• Young rabbits

Mortality typically ranges from 50–80%, though outbreaks have reported wider ranges.

RHDV2 has spread across:

• Europe

• North Africa and West Africa

• North America

• Central America

• Australia

In some regions, RHDV2 has largely replaced RHDV1.

Wild rabbit populations in parts of Europe have declined by 60–70%, affecting entire ecosystems and predator species that rely on rabbits for survival.

RHDV2 in the United States

• 2018: Identified in Ohio

• 2020: Distinct strain identified in New Mexico

• Additional strains identified in Washington State

Genomic sequencing shows that strains vary by region.

What Is the Mortality Rate of RHDV2?

Reported mortality averages between 50–80%.

In a 2022 California outbreak, mortality averaged 60%, with reports ranging from 20–100%.

Why Is RHDV2 So Concerning?

RHDV2 spreads easily and survives in the environment.

Key facts:

• Infected rabbits can shed the virus for up to 42 days

• The virus may persist in the environment for 3–4 months

• It survives exposure to 122°F (50°C) for one hour

• Freeze-thaw cycles do not destroy it

This environmental persistence makes containment difficult.

How Does RHDV2 Spread?

Transmission occurs through:

• Direct contact with infected rabbits (alive or deceased)

• Contaminated objects (carriers, towels, shoes, equipment, vehicles)

• Insects, especially flies

• Carnivores consuming infected rabbits (virus passes through feces)

• Contaminated food or water

• Human hands and clothing

Incubation period: 1–9 days.

Some rabbits show no signs and may die suddenly.

How Does RHDV2 Affect Rabbits?

RHDV2 primarily targets the liver.

The virus damages the liver’s ability to produce clotting factors, leading to internal hemorrhage.

Symptoms may include:

• Bleeding from nose or mouth

• Lethargy

• Loss of appetite

• Gastrointestinal stasis

• Jaundice

• Breathing difficulty

• Convulsions

• Sudden death without warning

If you suspect RHDV2 in a deceased rabbit or hare, do not move the body. Contact your State Department of Agriculture.

How Can You Protect Your Rabbit?

1. Practice Strict Biosecurity

• Wash hands before and after handling rabbits

• Change shoes before entering rabbit areas

• Avoid contact with wild rabbits

• Disinfect carriers and equipment

• Limit unnecessary travel

2. Vaccination

A vaccine developed by Medgene Labs is available through veterinarians in approved states.

Vaccination protocol:

• Two initial doses, 21 days apart

• Annual booster thereafter

Vaccinated domestic rabbits help reduce transmission risk within communities.

Can Indoor Rabbits Get RHDV2?

Yes.

Indoor rabbits may be exposed through:

• Contaminated shoes or clothing

• Insects entering the home

• Contaminated food or hay

• Indirect exposure through objects

Even strictly indoor rabbits are not completely risk-free.

Side Effects of the RHDV2 Vaccine

Reported side effects are typically mild and may include:

• Small swelling at injection site

• Mild fever

• Temporary lethargy

For current guidance, consult your veterinarian.

How the Community Can Help

• Stay informed about local outbreaks

• Vaccinate eligible rabbits

• Avoid transporting rabbits unnecessarily

• Support vaccination efforts for shelters and rescues

• Maintain strong biosecurity practices

Domestic vaccination helps reduce broader wildlife transmission risk.

What Is Blue Mountain Hay Doing?

Blue Mountain Hay is based in Oregon. We closely monitor state reporting agencies and RHDV2 updates.

We follow best practices in hay production and storage, including:

• Storing hay for a minimum of four months prior to shipment

• Maintaining clean handling and storage protocols

If you would like to learn more about rabbit nutrition, explore our educational resources on Timothy hay, oat hay, and alfalfa hay.

Conclusion

RHDV2 is a highly contagious and serious viral disease affecting domestic and wild rabbits worldwide. Because of its environmental persistence and ease of transmission, prevention through vaccination and biosecurity is critical. Staying informed and proactive helps protect your rabbit and supports the broader rabbit community.

Reviewed by Dr. Julianne Vickstrom, DVM, veterinarian at
Grey Bird Consulting

Content produced in collaboration with
Petzbe Agency