The Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD), a highly infectious and contagious animal disease not seen on our shores before, has been reported by the Animal abd Veterinary Service (AVS) of NParks.
The first detection of RHD in local rabbits was on September 16 and based on investigations, there may be 11 affected rabbits in the cluster and 8 have died.
The RHD is highly infectious and it is spread through inhalation, ingestion and by absorption through scrapes and wounds.
Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, muscle spasms, breathing difficulties, blue lips and bleeding from the mouth and nose; and these symptoms usually appear one to five days after exposure to the virus.
Highly contagious, the RHD acan be transmitted by direct contact with an infected rabbit, carcass, equipment, or person who had contact with the affected rabbit.
The mortality rate of the disease is reportedly 100%.
There are no treatments available for the disease but vaccines to prevent it are available.
On a positive note, the disease doesn’t affect humans or other animal species.
Image sources: PLE Disease Ecology, Burgess Pet Care