10/20/2021
On October 19, 2021, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has confirmed a domestic rabbit from St. Johns County has tested positive for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, Type 2 (RHDV-2). This is the second confirmed case of RHDV-2 in domestic rabbits in Florida. There have been no detections in wild rabbits in the state. The St. Johns premises is under quarantine and has been cleaned and disinfected. The investigation to determine the source of infection is ongoing and FDACS is monitoring the situation closely.
In accordance with the ARBA Show Rule 15.(D)., a host club must refuse entries from exhibitors placing an entry from all locations within 125 miles, which had a confirmed outbreak of RCV/RHD/VHD in domestic rabbits within the past 60 days of the entry deadline. This includes the 98th ARBA Convention and Show in Louisville, Kentucky. Thus, exhibitors within 125 miles of the site are unable to exhibit animals at the 98th ARBA Convention and Show.
Please note the following recommendations:
a) Exhibitors must follow ARBA recommended biosecurity guidelines.
b) Exhibitors and show officials must wash the undercarriage and tires of all vehicles and trailers before going to and after departing a show.
c) Exhibitors residing in a state with a confirmed case of RHDV in the past 60 days must have a health certificate (CVI) issued within fourteen (14) days of the show.
d) Use an appropriate disinfectant that will inactivate RHDV.
e) The ARBA club show committee has the right to refuse an entry.
f) The ARBA recommends carrying cages be cleaned prior to going to a show. The ARBA recommends the following products: kitty litter, newspaper, puppy pads, or other inert products used for bedding.
g) State and county officials may impose additional stricter sanctions / requirements.
h) Show officials can designate additional requirements to attend an ARBA sanctioned show.
i) If you are not comfortable, please continue to maintain biosecurity at your residence.
https://arba.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/RHD2-Website-20211019-Florida.pdf
