Rabbit hemorrhagic disease, fatal to pet rabbits, has reappeared on Vancouver Island, this time on the Saanich Peninsula, and the provincial government is warning pet owners to take precautions.
Dr. Helen Schwantje, B.C. provincial wildlife veterinarian, said vaccination, now available in B.C., is the best defence against rabbit hemorrhagic disease and pet owners should consult their veterinarians.
“Number 1, get your pet rabbits vaccinated,” said Schwantje. “Number two, practice good hygiene.”
Two feral rabbits — domestic animals living wild — were found dead recently on the Saanich Peninsula, the province said in a statement. Subsequent testing revealed the presence of the virus responsible for rabbit hemorrhagic disease.
It’s the second year in a row rabbit hemorrhagic disease has appeared in B.C. Last year it showed up in feral rabbits found dead in Nanaimo and on the Lower Mainland.
The disease is highly infectious and lethal but exclusive to pet rabbits derived from European animals. Humans, dogs, cats, native B.C. wildlife and North American rabbits can’t get infected.
Schwantje said wild eastern cottontails don’t appear be affected. The eastern cottontail is not native to B.C. but some have been imported and released in B.C. and Vancouver Island and populations appear to be becoming established.
“But cottontails don’t appear to be susceptible to the virus,” said Schwantje. “At least we have not found a dead one associated with the virus.”
Pet rabbits bred from European animals, however, invariably die. Listlessness, lack of co-ordination and trouble breathing may appear as symptoms.
Schwantje said the most common, first, noticeable symptom is sudden death with blood sometimes on the nose.
The virus spreads through contact, in food, water and bedding. If an animal dies in an underground burrow the virus can reappear as much as a year later.
Schwantje said people out walking on the Saanich Peninsula should not bring debris or plants home for their pets. Shoes should be changed before tending the animals.
Schwantje said the virus will likely continue to show up, especially among the feral populations of pet-variety rabbits.
She noted people who release pet-variety rabbits into the wild are not doing the animals any favours. They might find things to eat but they will not live well.
“It’s not a nice life for a rabbit,” said Schwantje. “It’s not like sitting in a nice, warm cage and eating alfalfa pellets.”
