Ontario Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV2) Update

In addition to the two confirmed positive RHDV2 cases in Lambton County on June 10, 2022, OMAFRA was notified of a third case of RHDV2 on July 6^th, 2022, in a domestic companion rabbit in Essex County. RHDV2 is an Immediately Notifiable disease under the federal Health of Animals Act as well as Immediately Notifiable hazard under the Ontario Animal Health Act, 2009. Enhanced biosecurity practices are strongly encouraged to prevent the spread of the virus. Clinical signs of disease include hemorrhage, depression, decreased appetite or jaundice. All sudden deaths should be submitted to a veterinary laboratory for diagnostic testing. Currently there is no vaccine approved for use in Canada. Veterinarians can request access to these products through the Canadian Centre for Veterinary Biologics – Canadian Food Inspection Agency (Veterinary biologics – Canadian Food Inspection Agency (canada.ca).