09/01/2021
ATTENTION TO ALL RABBIT OWNERS: there has now been a confirmed case of the rabbbit hemorrhagic disease (RHDV-2) in Florida! This is a highly contagious disease that is almost always fatal. Prior to this, there were no cases in the state of Florida.
To protect my rabbits, they will not be attending any shows or allowed outside until I am sure there isn’t a large-scale outbreak in the state of Florida. To pet owners, please refrain from allowing your rabbits outside in any area that wild rabbits may have access to! Additionally, please ensure you do not allow your rabbit to interact with any other pet rabbits. Let’s protect our babies and stop the spread of RHDV-2!
Here are the recommendations from the FL Department of Agriculture:
Biosecurity is the key to prevention of RHDV:
• Keep a closed rabbitry.
• Exclude wild and feral rabbits from the rabbitry.
• Wash your hands between handling rabbits in different pens.
• Control flies and biting insects.
• Clean and disinfect equipment, tools, footwear, feed and water containers, cages.
Recommended disinfectants include those in the phenol class or 10 percent bleach. Clean thoroughly with soap and water first and apply disinfectant for recommended contact time. Rinse well and allow to dry before allowing animal contact.
• House rabbits indoors if possible.
• Do not share equipment with others who raise rabbits.
• Contact your veterinarian if sick or dead rabbits are observed and submit carcasses for
examination and prompt sampling.
• Do not transport rabbits into or out of RHDV quarantine areas.
• Separate new rabbits or those returning from shows for one month.
For more information, please visit the FL Department of Agriculture’s website here:https://www.fdacs.gov/content/download/91807/file/RHD2Website200519_FWCFix.pdf