DEFINITION
According to Brantes, Van der Loo, Le Pendu and Esteves P(2012), Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a calicivirus of the genus Lagovirus that causes rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) in adult European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) stated that RHDV was highly contagious and easily transmitted, normally through direct contact, but may also be carried by flies and scavengers feeding on carcasses, by clothes, shoes and car tyres, or carried on the wind. The virus has a 90-day viability outside of its host.
The EWT stated that the disease was specific to rabbits and hares and had a 100% mortality. It cannot be transmitted to people and other animals.Rabbit owners are advised to exercise strict quarantine of their animals.
Members of the public are advised not to handle or move carcasses to avoid the further spread of the disease. Dead rabbits must be disposed of by burning or deep burial. Carcasses must not be kept in the freezer.