HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) has identified a fatal viral disease in rabbits.
The Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) has been found in nine states thus far and is thought to hit Montana in the near future.
Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Tahnee Szymanski said, “In addition to the high fatality rate, there is not treatment for RHD or licensed vaccine available in the United States, which makes disease control challenging. This is why we are asking Montanans to be vigilant and to take the necessary precautions to prevent the introduction of RHD into our state.”
RHD cannot be transmitted to humans or other domestic animals through direct contact of a rabbit whether alive or dead.
Rabbit symptoms include fever, dullness, lack of appetite, wasting, diarrhea, neurological signs, respiratory signs with bloody discharge from the nose or mouth and death.
To avoid RHD wash your hands and any clothing or footwear while staying away from wild rabbits.
All rabbit owners are encouraged to review the Montana animal import requirements and to make sure they have a veterinary inspection certificate and permit number.
For more information call 406-444-2976 or visit aphis.usda.gov.
