SAN JUAN COUNTY, Wash. — The highly contagious, fatal Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 (RHDV2) was found in rabbits on Lopez and Orcas Islands in San Juan County.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) state veterinarian’s office confirmed the disease’s presence after suspected rabbits sent for testing had positive results.
RHDV2 killed hundreds of feral domestic and domestic rabbits in Island and Clallam counties in 2019.
In 2022, the state vet’s office authorized emergency use of the Medgene vaccine for RHDV2, which WSDA said is now available to all veterinarians in Washington.
WSDA said that due to the contagious and extremely infectious nature of this virus, vaccination is critical for disease control to protect our domestic and wild rabbit populations alike.
State veterinarians also said that rabbit owners should ensure their rabbits do not encounter wild or domestic-feral rabbits, elevate their hutches, or bring them inside.
For more information on RHDV2, biosecurity, and prevention, visit WSDA’s Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease webpage.