New virus killing rabbits in Cochise County

MCNEAL — Another virus has invaded southern Arizona, except this one’s host is rabbits, both domestic and wild, and not humans.

*snip*

RHDV2 is a viral disease that causes sudden death in rabbits and can be spread through contact with infected rabbits, their meat or their fur, or materials coming in contact with them, according to a statement released by Mark Killian, director of AzDA Monday.

“On April 1, AzDGF received two separate reports from wildlife managers in the Douglas area of dying cottontails and jackrabbits,” Killian said in the statement. “A cottontail and black-tailed jackrabbit were collected and delivered on April 4 to Dr. Justice–Allen, wildlife veterinarian for AzDGF. Lesions were found consistent with RHDV2. Samples from these rabbits were sent to the FADDL at Plum Island. On April 8, the laboratory confirmed that these animals had died from RHDV2.”

The rabbit die off is also occurring in northeastern Arizona, he noted.

“RHDV2 is a viral disease that only affects rabbits — not people, pets, or livestock. Until very recently, it was not known whether or not North American native rabbits would be susceptible to it. They are not susceptible to another strain of the virus, RHDV1,” he stated.