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Kali

(54,990 posts)
Tue Apr 21, 2020, 12:03 AM Apr 2020

even the bunnies are getting slammed - Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2)

https://www.bensonnews-sun.com/article_d03b917e-9f90-52b0-b1b4-87567f1c8cab.html

New virus killing rabbits in Cochise County

MCNEAL — Another virus has invaded southern Arizona, except this one’s host is rabbits, both domestic and wild, and not humans.

*snip*

RHDV2 is a viral disease that causes sudden death in rabbits and can be spread through contact with infected rabbits, their meat or their fur, or materials coming in contact with them, according to a statement released by Mark Killian, director of AzDA Monday.

“On April 1, AzDGF received two separate reports from wildlife managers in the Douglas area of dying cottontails and jackrabbits,” Killian said in the statement. “A cottontail and black-tailed jackrabbit were collected and delivered on April 4 to Dr. Justice–Allen, wildlife veterinarian for AzDGF. Lesions were found consistent with RHDV2. Samples from these rabbits were sent to the FADDL at Plum Island. On April 8, the laboratory confirmed that these animals had died from RHDV2.”

The rabbit die off is also occurring in northeastern Arizona, he noted.

“RHDV2 is a viral disease that only affects rabbits — not people, pets, or livestock. Until very recently, it was not known whether or not North American native rabbits would be susceptible to it. They are not susceptible to another strain of the virus, RHDV1,” he stated.


bit more at link
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even the bunnies are getting slammed - Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) (Original Post) Kali Apr 2020 OP
Terrible MLAA Apr 2020 #1
K&R! SheltieLover Apr 2020 #2
It's.been in Washington state,. too. LisaM Apr 2020 #3
Awful. One of the great joys of living in Arizona is watching the bunnies Mike 03 Apr 2020 #4

SheltieLover

(57,073 posts)
2. K&R!
Tue Apr 21, 2020, 12:33 AM
Apr 2020

I fear this is more widespread than is known, or admitted to.

I have lived in several states & spend a great deal of time outside observing & appreciating Nature and have never seen a rabbit for at least 5 years. They began to decline, in my observations about 20 yrs ago, sadly.

Mike 03

(16,616 posts)
4. Awful. One of the great joys of living in Arizona is watching the bunnies
Tue Apr 21, 2020, 09:07 AM
Apr 2020

come out before dawn and at dusk, playing "chase" or just hanging out eating bird seed and drinking from bird baths.

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