08/05/2022
To all of our clients at Scales & Tails Exotic Pet Clinic,
We have received an update from the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University letting us know that there have now been 9 confirmed rabbit deaths in our area attributed to rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 (RHDV2), 7 in Multnomah County and 2 in Lane County. For those that do not own rabbits, RHDV2 is a highly contagious virus that can spread quickly among rabbit populations, causing sudden death. It is resistant to extreme temperatures and can survive in the environment for months. Although the virus poses no risk to humans or other animals, it can be spread by contact with contaminated materials (carcasses, pelts, food, water, and forage, hiking and camping gear, etc). Animals such as dogs, cats, birds, rodents, flies, predators and scavengers can also spread the virus via their feet, fur or feathers, or f***s without becoming infected themselves.
We have worked diligently to protect our rabbit patients by implementing protocols to reduce the risk of exposure, including but not limited to: continuing to implement curbside services, requiring mandatory masks for both staff and clients, wiping down all carriers that enter our office, foot baths throughout our office, as well as offering the RHDV2 vaccine to our rabbit patients. Due to the recent proximity of the virus, we are making some adjustments to our requirements and protocols.
We will now be strictly enforcing the following policy: All patients (not just rabbits) must arrive in hard sided carriers. We will no longer allow cloth/soft carriers in the clinic. This allows us to wipe down the carriers and eliminate possible contaminants from outside that they may have come in contact with.
All rabbits coming into the clinic must be vaccinated or in the process of getting vaccinated. If your rabbit was vaccinated at another clinic, we will require proof of vaccination prior to your appointment time.
We appreciate everyone's cooperation in our efforts to protect our patients and your pets.
For our rabbit owners, here are some guidelines and recommendations to reduce the risk of exposure for your pet to RHDV2:
1. For rabbits receiving the RHDV2 vaccine, your pet needs to be quarantined inside starting 2 weeks prior to their first vaccine and continuing for 2 weeks following their last booster. This means no going outside, even for short periods, and no introducing new animals to the household.
2. Keeping your pet inside in general will help avoid exposure to environments contaminated by wild rabbits/hares or by people, vehicles, or implements that can spread the disease. This includes restricting grazing/roaming in your yard, especially if there are wild rabbits/hares present in your area.
3. Avoid giving your rabbit greens. We realize that many people like to use greens as a way to treat their rabbit, but unfortunately, there is no safe way to guarantee decontamination. Due to the toughness and durability of the virus, even store bought greens could be contaminated and all chemicals known to kill the virus are not safe for consumption, or even skin contact.
4. Limit contact and handling of your pet(s) by visitors to your household
5. If you are at a show, fair, store or any locations where rabbits are present, shower and change clothes prior to handling your rabbit(s).
6. If you are bringing a new rabbit into your household, they should be quarantined away from your existing pets for 30 days prior to introductions
7. Please report the death of any wild rabbits/hares you find to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) by calling 1-866-968-2600 or email [email protected].
