RHDV2 (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus 2): What Every Rabbit Owner Must Know

RHDV2 kills rabbits rapidly — often with little or no warning — and there is no treatment. Vaccination is essential and saves lives. This guide covers what RHDV2 is, how it spreads, what to watch for, and why annual vaccination cannot be skipped.

## What Is RHDV2?

Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) is a calicivirus that causes acute liver failure and haemorrhage in domestic and wild rabbits. It emerged in France in 2010 and has spread across Europe, the UK, Australia, and North America.

Unlike the original RHD strain (RHDV1), RHDV2:
- Affects young rabbits (kittens from 4–5 weeks are susceptible)
- Spreads more readily and persists longer in the environment
- Causes disease in hares and some wild lagomorphs

## How RHDV2 Spreads

- Direct contact with infected rabbits (living or dead)
- Indirect contact — the virus persists on surfaces, in soil, and on clothing for months
- Insects — flies can mechanically carry the virus on their bodies
- Wind spread — documented at short distances
- Contaminated hay, food, or bedding purchased from infected areas
- Predators and scavengers can transport carcasses

Indoor rabbits are not safe. Owners can carry the virus in on shoes, clothing, or hands after touching wild rabbits, grass, or soil.

## Signs of RHDV2 Infection

Peracute (most common form):
- Sudden death with no preceding illness
- Sometimes a brief period of lethargy and high fever in the final hours
- Blood from the nose at death is sometimes the only visible sign

Subacute form:
- Lethargy, loss of appetite, fever (40.5–42°C)
- Neurological signs: tremors, seizures, paddling
- Jaundice (yellow tinge to skin and whites of eyes)
- Respiratory distress
- Death within 24–72 hours

Chronic form (rare, some survival possible):
- Jaundice, weight loss, and liver failure over days to weeks

## No Treatment Exists

Supportive care (fluids, anti-inflammatories) may extend life marginally in chronic cases but does not save acutely infected rabbits. Focus entirely on prevention.

## Vaccination

The only protection is annual vaccination with a licensed RHDV2 vaccine. In the UK and EU, Nobivac Myxo-RHD Plus provides combined protection against myxomatosis and RHDV2 in one injection. In some countries, separate RHD vaccines are used.

Track your rabbit's vaccination date in Flovvi and set an annual reminder — this is one appointment that should never be missed.