Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease – Guidance for rabbit hunters

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV1 and RHDV2) is a very contagious virus that occurs in Washington and is known to cause significant mortality in non-native European rabbits. It does not infect humans or dogs, though they can spread the virus. In 2020 an outbreak in native lagomorphs (rabbits and hares) occurred in southwestern North America, and in 2021 a wild jackrabbit in Idaho was found dead, infected with RHDV. RHDV is easily spread by direct contact with infected (live or dead) rabbits, and the virus can remain active for months in the environment. This virus has the potential to cause significant mortality in Washington’s native lagomorphs. Please take extra precaution to reduce the risk of spreading this virus:

• Do not release nonnative domestic rabbits into the wild
• Do not move wild rabbits between areas, for any reason
• Attempt to prevent contact with dead rabbits (by dogs or humans); if contact is unavoidable, wash hands, clothes, shoes, (etc.), and/or the dog(s), with soap and warm water
  • This should be done same day, or before moving to a new location
  • If hunting rabbits, do not leave remains in the open; bury or discard appropriately to reduce the risk of scavengers. Double bag remains if discarding in the trash.
• Always wash hands thoroughly after handling rabbits or rabbit meat, domestic or wild.
• If you have pet rabbits, use extra precaution before going into the field. Carefully wash hands, shoes, and any other material(s) that may have been in contact with the domestic rabbits

For more information, see the Washington State Department of Agriculture website: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/animals-livestock-and-pets/animal-health/animal-diseases/rabbit-disease

There may not be any outward evidence of diseased rabbits, or the animals may exhibit bright red blood around the nose and mouth. If more than 3 dead rabbits are observed in close proximity, please contact a WDFW Wildlife Veterinarian (Katherine.haman@dfw.wa.gov).