A highly contagious and deadly virus is killing rabbits in South Carolina.
Officials diagnosed Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type-2 after a herd of wild rabbits suddenly died at a Greenville County home. Clemson University Veterinary Diagnostic Center said: Thursday.
The surviving members of the herd have been placed in quarantine.
This vicious virus has been detected for the first time in the state. RHDV2 was first detected in 2018 and has rapidly become an epidemic in western states.
The disease was detected earlier this month in Connecticut after 13 rabbits died in 24 hours, with the 14th member of the herd succumbing to the virus two days later, State Environmental Protection Department said.
The university said that rabbits and rabbits infected with RHDV2 have a 30% lower chance of survival. Symptoms include anorexia, lethargy, conjunctivitis, respiratory symptoms and bloody nose or mouth.
“The introduction of RHDV2 to wild rabbits in South Carolina poses a serious threat to wild populations and has contributed to significant mortality in the western United States. It is critical that we reduce contact between infected wild rabbits and wild rabbits. Do what you can to prevent that,” said Will Dillman, assistant chief of wildlife for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Although humans cannot become ill with RHDV2, they can spread the killer virus. It is also spread through direct contact with infected rabbits, bedding, water, feed, hay, and other materials used in rabbit care and feeding.