The reappearance on Vancouver Island of the deadly rabbit disease that swept across the Lower Mainland last spring has Richmond’s rabbit community on alert.
The B.C. government and the BC SPCA issued warnings last week that the rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) has resurfaced in the Parksville area, with four rabbits dying from the highly infectious virus.
Last year, Richmond-based no-kill animal charity RAPS had to euthanize its entire, 66-rabbit population on the orders of the Ministry of Agriculture, after the disease (RHD) struck at its No. 5 Road shelter.
Vaccinations destined for RAPS, that could have saved the rabbits, arrived too late.
“There’s no indication yet in the Lower Mainland that there’s a problem,” said RAPS’ spokesman Pat Johnson, who indicated the shelter is now home to only eight rabbits, its maximum.
“We are telling our officers and staff to be extremely vigilant when out and about in the community, especially in areas known to have a high population of rabbits.
“They are especially on the lookout for deceased rabbits. Rabbits that have succumbed to this disease are very distinctive. They will have a straight neck, extended legs and perhaps blood from the nose.
“Any rabbits that come into the shelter will be put into quarantine, examined by a vet, vaccinated and put back into quarantine. We will be better prepared than last year.”
Sorelle Saidman, founder of Richmond-based rabbit sanctuary Rabbitats, said all of her rabbits are vaccinated and the charity is currently organizing fundraisers to “make sure any new rabbits we take in will also be vaccinated.”
“Given the behaviour of the virus last year, we're not expecting issues in Richmond.”
B.C.’s chief veterinary officer, Jane Pritchard, last week recommended owners vaccinate pet and domestic rabbits.
The virus, which causes death within 36 hours, killed hundreds of rabbits last year across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.
Pritchard said the provincial government sounded the alarm as soon as it was able to confirm the disease. She said the dead rabbits are all from the same place in Parksville, but the disease can spread rapidly.
Agriculture Minister Lana Popham said the source of the virus is unknown and provincial veterinarians in her ministry are monitoring the highly infectious and deadly disease.
Pritchard said the best precaution against the disease for pet owners and commercial rabbit breeders is to vaccinate their animals. The virus only affects European rabbits and is not known to affect native North American breeds, she said.
It also does not affect dogs, cats, other pets or humans, said Pritchard.
Pritchard said rabbit owners should keep their pet areas clean and ensure they do not expose their animals to materials from areas where feral rabbits may have been.
They should monitor their rabbits daily for signs of illness and contact a veterinarian with any concerns.
With a file from The Times Colonist
