🐇 Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD)
RHD is a highly contagious, often fatal viral disease that affects both wild and domestic rabbits. It has been confirmed in Wisconsin and continues to spread across the United States.
The good news: a vaccine is available, and we have it.
✅ The Vaccine is Available Now
Healthy Pet Veterinary Clinic has been providing RHD vaccinations for our rabbit patients since October 2021. The vaccine is approved for use in Wisconsin and is effective in preventing the RHDV2 virus.
We strongly recommend that all domestic rabbits be vaccinated. Don't wait for an outbreak in your area — by the time symptoms appear, it's often too late.
📞 Schedule: (608) 294-9494Boarding Requirement
All rabbits boarding at Healthy Pet Veterinary Clinic must be vaccinated against RHD. The first dose must be given at least two weeks prior to check-in. Please plan ahead when scheduling boarding for your rabbit. Learn more about our boarding services →
The RHD Vaccine: What to Expect
A simple two-dose series that could save your rabbit's life
First Dose
Schedule an appointment. Your rabbit receives the initial RHDV2 vaccination.
Second Dose
Return 21–28 days later for the booster dose. Full protection begins 2 weeks after this dose.
Annual Booster
One dose each year to maintain protection throughout your rabbit's life.
💡 Microchipping recommended: We recommend that vaccinated rabbits be microchipped ($40) to document their vaccination status. Some rabbit social groups and play date organizations may require proof of vaccination via microchip in the future.
What is Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease?
Understanding the threat to your rabbit
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) is a highly contagious disease caused by a calicivirus that affects both wild and domestic rabbits. This includes domesticated European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) — the species from which our pet rabbits are descended — as well as North American cottontails, snowshoe hares, and jackrabbits.
RHDV2, the most recent and most dangerous strain, emerged in Europe in 2010 and spread rapidly. It was first detected in Australia in 2015, where it spread coast-to-coast in just 18 months. In 2020, RHDV2 began causing significant mortality in wild rabbits in the southwestern United States, and it has been spreading across the country ever since.
RHDV2 was confirmed in Wisconsin in August 2022 in La Crosse County, following confirmed cases in neighboring Minnesota. The virus is now considered an ongoing threat to all rabbits in the state — both wild and domestic.
There is no cure for RHD. Treatment is limited to supportive care in isolation, and there are no known effective antiviral drugs. The mortality rate in the 2020 U.S. outbreak was approximately 90% in confirmed cases. Prevention through vaccination is the best and most effective protection available.
Symptoms of RHD
RHD is often called "the silent killer" — many rabbits die without showing any symptoms at all
Sudden loss of appetite
Unexplained lethargy
High fever
Seizures
Jaundice (yellowing of skin)
Bleeding from nose, mouth, or rectum
Difficulty breathing
Sudden death with no warning
Any sudden and unexplained rabbit death in Wisconsin is suspicious and should be reported to your veterinarian immediately. The incubation period is 3–5 days, with death occurring within 1–5 days after symptoms appear. RHDV2 causes liver failure and internal hemorrhaging. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve — call us immediately at (608) 294-9494.
How RHD Spreads
RHDV2 is extremely contagious and remarkably durable in the environment
🐇 Direct Contact
Contact with an infected rabbit's blood, excretions, urine, or feces. Rabbits are infected through oral, nasal/respiratory, or ocular exposure.
📦 Contaminated Materials
The virus survives on food, water, bedding, equipment, carcasses, and virtually any surface that comes in contact with an infected animal.
🪰 Insects
Blood-feeding insects like flies are a significant transmission vector. Seasonal outbreaks often coincide with warmer months when flies are more prevalent.
👟 People
Humans can unknowingly carry the virus on clothing, shoes, and hands after exposure to contaminated environments — even without handling a rabbit directly.
⏳ How Long Does RHDV2 Survive Outside a Host?
room temperature (68°F)
temperatures (39°F)
cycles
up to 122°F
🔬 Cause of Death
RHDV causes necrotizing hepatitis (destruction of the liver) and may cause necrosis of the spleen. Death occurs from liver failure or hemorrhage due to impaired blood clotting.
🩺 Survivors Are Carriers
Rabbits that survive RHDV2 become carriers and continue to shed the virus for at least 42 days, possibly longer — posing a risk to every unvaccinated rabbit they encounter.
🫥 Asymptomatic Carriers
Some rabbits may show little to no symptoms but can still shed the virus for up to 2 months. Your rabbit could be exposed without you ever knowing.
Protect Your Rabbit Today
The RHD vaccine is safe, effective, and available now. Don't wait for an outbreak — call us to schedule your rabbit's vaccination appointment.
📞 Call (608) 294-9494