Bunny Ebola

[Space Monkey]

I'm reading about RHDV2. The hemorrhagic bunny virus. We're located in Indiana. I'm seeing where outbreaks are known or have occurred a state over in Ohio. Our property is a wild rabbit paradise. It's basically a jungle and attracts all sorts of wildlife, especially rabbits. We have adults and babies all the time. Do we need to worry about dragging this virus in on our shoes? Is it possible to get a vaccine in Indiana, or even worth it?

 

[samoth]

Do we need to worry about dragging this virus in on our shoes?

From what I've read, yes. It would be a good idea to have indoor & outdoor shoes if you have indoor rabbits.

Is it possible to get a vaccine in Indiana, or even worth it?

Not presently; and when it becomes possible, maybe.

RHDV2 is not presently in IN (cf. USDA APHIS | 2020 Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease -- Affected Counties).

From what I've read, once your state identifies RHDV2 as endemic, it's possible to acquire a vaccine through your vet, who must get approval from higher-up state vets (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/downloads/faq-rhd-vaccine.pdf). I have no idea what the cost is, but I imagine it would run in the hundreds of dollars just for importation of the vaccine, plus local & state vet & administrative costs for consults, applications, &c.

I'd be very interested to hear if anyone has done this...

 

[ArtistChibi]

Don't know why you called it "bunny ebola". But @Blue eyes has already pinned a thread about this in Health & Wellness. RHVD2 in the US - what you need to know