Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Confirmed in Domestic Rabbits in Douglas County

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) has confirmed Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV) in domestic rabbits in a Douglas County rabbitry. The rabbit's owner noted sudden rabbit deaths, reporting the symptoms to their veterinarian late last week. The veterinarian suspected RHDV and immediately reported it to ODA. The Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University confirmed the presence of RHDV on April 14, 2025. Most rabbits at the rabbitry have since died; the remaining rabbits are under quarantine.

The affected rabbits were housed outdoors where they may have potentially been exposed to wild rabbits. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has not diagnosed RHDV in wild rabbits in Western Oregon, but the virus is known to be present in wild populations in Central and Eastern Oregon.

RHDV is a viral disease that causes sudden death in rabbits. Signs of the disease in rabbits may include respiratory or neurological symptoms and bloody nasal discharge.

The virus is highly contagious among rabbit populations. It can spread through contact with infected rabbits, meat, fur, or materials coming into contact with them. RHDV poses no human health risk; the virus only infects rabbits.

How can I prevent the spread of RHDV?

• Wash and disinfect hands, clothing, gloves, footwear, cages, and equipment between rabbits from different sources.
• Quarantine new rabbits away from existing ones for 30 days.
• Keep pet rabbits inside to avoid exposure to environments potentially contaminated by wild or feral rabbits or by people, vehicles, or implements that can spread the disease.
• Immediately contact ODA (503-986-4711) if you suspect RHDV or have sick or freshly dead rabbits.

ODA and ODFW ask the public to report rabbit mortalities to track the virus's presence and movement. Please call (503) 986-4711 to report domestic or feral (domestic animals that escaped into the wild or were abandoned) rabbits suspected of having died from RHDV. To report the death of wild rabbits, contact ODFW by calling (866) 968-2600 or email Wildlife.Health@odfw.oregon.gov. Visit https://oda.direct/RHD for more information about Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease.

Domestic rabbit owners should contact their veterinarian for more information on preventing RHDV.