US rabbits are also facing a dangerous new virus outbreak.
The deadly rabbit hemorrhagic virus type 2 (RHDV2) is sweeping the southwestern United States. First detected in New Mexico Early MarchI’ve killed domestic animals and wild rabbits ever since spread Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and more recently California.
This virus is not a coronavirus and is not known to affect humans or other animals. It only infects rabbit species such as Jack Rabbit, Hare and Pika.
by US Department of AgricultureInfected rabbits may show symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, swelling, and signs of respiratory and nervous system. However, in many cases the disease is not detected until the animal suddenly dies. Rabbits that die of the virus may have blood in their noses and mouth due to internal bleeding.
that is First occurrence Distribution of the virus in a North American wild rabbit population. In southern California, the latest RHDV2 outbreak was reported earlier this month, with about 10 dead Jack Jacks found on private land in Palm Springs, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. In a news release.
According to Dr. Deana Clifford, a senior wildlife veterinarian at CDFW, the virus could have a significant impact on wild rabbit populations, especially on already infected species such as the endangered waterside brush and pygmy rabbits. there is.
“Unfortunately, rabbits are a common prey species for many predators, so we may see effects on species that depend on them for food,” said Clifford.
Concerns have also been raised about some types of risk protection in other states.
The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted by contact between infected rabbits and carcasses, meat and fur, contaminated food and water, and clothing and shoes.
Rabbits can be vaccinated against the virus, but the vaccine is only approved for use in Europe. However, if the virus circulates in wild or wild rabbits, it may be approved for use in the US, the USDA said. New risk notification. This is the national veterinarian Ralph Zimmermann in New Mexico, who received 500 vaccinations from France on Wednesday. I told the Washington Post.
It is unknown how the virus entered New Mexico. Matt Gomper, a disease ecologist and head of the School of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology at New Mexico State University, Told CNN He predicts that it went that way through domestic rabbit trade or rabbit meat.
Haemorrhagic disease in rabbits First recorded in China It is believed to have come from a rabbit imported from Europe. The first variant (RHDV) is spread over several continents. The new type 2 variant, RHDV2, has spread in Europe after its appearance in 2010 and has occurred in Australia, but only a few domestic rabbits have been reported to date in North America.
There is no cure. Isolated rabbits should be isolated. Authorities have asked the state wildlife authorities to report sighting information for sick and dead rabbits. Do not touch or move dead rabbits.
And like people, pet rabbits should stay home. Ah Says the USDA fact sheet The owner may introduce new rabbits, limit contact with external rabbits, perform proper hygiene and hand washing before and after handling, use different equipment for new and sick rabbits. need to do it.
- This article was first published Huff post..
