RHDV2 Vaccination for Rabbits in Lenexa, KS
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 (RHDV2) is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that has been confirmed in Kansas. At Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center in Lenexa, KS, we recommend that all pet rabbits be vaccinated against RHDV2, and our exotic pet team is here to help you protect your bunny.
RHDV2 in Kansas and the United States
As of April 2022, RHDV2 had been confirmed in the states highlighted on the map. On July 15, 2022, the Kansas Department of Animal Health reported that RHDV2 was confirmed in a domestic rabbit in Leavenworth County, Kansas. Because the virus spreads easily and has continued to move across the country, we consider every pet rabbit in the Kansas City area at risk.
What Is RHDV2?
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 (RHDV2) is a highly contagious and frequently fatal virus that affects both domestic and wild rabbits. It has a 70% to 100% mortality rate in pet rabbits. The virus is extremely hardy and can survive for long periods in the environment. It spreads through direct contact with infected rabbits, their urine, feces or carcasses, and indirectly on contaminated food, bedding, water, clothing, shoes, insects and other objects. That means even strictly indoor rabbits can be exposed.
Signs of RHDV2
Many rabbits die suddenly with no warning signs. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Fever
- Lethargy and loss of appetite
- Difficulty breathing
- Bleeding from the nose, mouth or rectum
- Neurologic signs such as incoordination or seizures
If your rabbit shows any of these signs, call us right away.
RHDV2 Vaccination
We recommend that all pet rabbits be vaccinated against RHDV2. The Medgene RHDV2 vaccine was first made available through USDA Emergency Use Authorization after demonstrating strong preliminary efficacy and safety, and vaccine data has shown it to be very safe and very effective. We recommend vaccination because RHDV2 is highly transmissible, highly fatal and continues to spread across the United States.
- Initial series: Two doses given 21 days apart
- Boosters: Annual boosters are needed to maintain protection
- Possible side effects: Rare side effects include temporary swelling at the injection site, a slight fever and lethargy for one to two days. If you notice these or any other problems after vaccination, please let us know.
Protecting Your Rabbit at Home
In addition to vaccination, practice good biosecurity: wash your hands before handling your rabbit, remove shoes before entering your rabbit’s area, avoid feeding foraged plants from areas wild rabbits may visit and quarantine new rabbits. Keep up with annual wellness exams through our rabbit and exotic pet care, including dental checks, nutrition and spay and neuter services.
For More Information
Find additional resources on our recommended links page or read our general FAQs.
RHDV2 FAQs
What is RHDV2?
RHDV2 is rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2, a highly contagious and frequently fatal virus that affects domestic and wild rabbits.
Has RHDV2 been found in Kansas?
Yes. In July 2022, the Kansas Department of Animal Health confirmed RHDV2 in a domestic rabbit in Leavenworth County.
Can indoor rabbits get RHDV2?
Yes. The virus can be carried indoors on shoes, clothing, food, bedding and insects, so indoor rabbits are also at risk.
How is the RHDV2 vaccine given?
The initial series is two doses given 21 days apart, followed by annual boosters.
Is the RHDV2 vaccine safe?
Vaccine data has shown it to be very safe and effective. Rare side effects include temporary injection-site swelling, slight fever and lethargy for one to two days.
Do you vaccinate rabbits for RHDV2 at Mariposa?
Yes. We recommend RHDV2 vaccination for all pet rabbits. Call our office to schedule.
Protect Your Rabbit From RHDV2
Schedule your rabbit’s RHDV2 vaccination today. Call (913) 825-3330 or request an appointment with Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center.