A new virus is killing rabbits in Arizona, officials say it is not related to COVID-19

TUCSON, Ariz. — While humans across the planet fight the novel coronavirus, a brand new strain of a different virus is killing rabbits in the southwest United States. Officials say the virus is not COVID-19 related.

“It’s called rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHDV2),” said Arizona Game and Fish Spokesperson Mark Hart.

Arizona Game and Fish recently announced cases of RHDV2 found in Arizona. It is associated with a high mortality rate and very contagious.

“It may manifest itself as lesions on the coats of rabbits, but they are dying, and we’ve had two confirmed cases and possibly four others in southeastern Arizona in the last few days.”

Hart says there is no risk the virus will make a jump to humans or other animals.

“It isn’t dangerous to humans, it isn’t dangerous to other species of animals, but it is killing rabbits and hares,” he said.

Wildlife officials say rabbit owners need to practice biosecurity by washing their hands before and after working with rabbits and not sharing equipment with other owners.

“If you bought rabbits for the kids on Easter, they need to be quarantined for two weeks,” Hart said.

Hart says they can use the public’s help to find out how widespread the problem is.

“If someone comes upon a dead rabbit for no obvious reason, they should call us.”

Rabbit owners with questions should contact a veterinarian. If a case is suspected, veterinarians should email diseasereporting@azda.gov .

To report disease in wildlife, contact AZGFD at (623) 236-7201.

This story was originally published by Brian Brennan on KGUN in Tucson, Arizona.