RABBITS · Condition guide
RVHD-2 in rabbits: a vaccine-preventable killer
Rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease — caused by Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV1 and the more recently emerged RHDV2/RVHD-2) — is one of the most feared diseases in pet rabbits. The disease is dramatic: a healthy rabbit can be dead within 24-48 hours of infection, often with little or no warning. Some die suddenly; others show lethargy, anorexia, bleeding from the nose, or seizures shortly before death. Internally the virus causes massive hepatic necrosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Transmission is extremely efficient — direct contact, contaminated food and hay, fleas, flies, clothing, and shoes can all carry the virus, which persists in the environment for months. RHDV2 has been particularly concerning because it affects young rabbits (RHDV1 typically only killed adults), has caused major outbreaks across Europe, North America, and Australia, and the older RHDV1 vaccines don't fully protect against it. The combined RVHD-1, RVHD-2, and myxomatosis vaccine is now standard of care and should be considered essential for every pet rabbit.
What vets typically check for
- Sudden death of multiple rabbits with consistent post-mortem findings is often the first clue.
- Post-mortem: hepatic necrosis, splenic congestion, haemorrhage in multiple organs.
- PCR for RHDV1/RHDV2 on liver tissue or blood — confirms the virus and strain.
- There is no treatment — prevention through vaccination is the only strategy.
- Annual combined RVHD-1/RVHD-2/myxomatosis vaccination from 5 weeks of age.
Not a replacement for veterinary care. Use this to walk into the conversation prepared, not to self-diagnose.
Real cases from the veterinary literature
Peer-reviewed reports our semantic search surfaces for Rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease (RVHD/RHDV). Click into any case for the full abstract — or run a personalised search with your pet's exact details.
- Antibody response of endangered riparian brush rabbits to vaccination against rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2.
Journal Article · 2024 · United States
A team of researchers studied how endangered riparian brush rabbits respond to a vaccine for rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2), which is a serious and often deadly illness affecting rabbits. They first tested the vaccine on 19 adult rabbits that were temporarily held in captivity to ensure it was safe. After giving the vaccine, they found that all the rabbits developed
- Case series: Four fatal rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus infections in urban pet rabbits
Frontiers in Veterinary Science · 2023
Four pet rabbits in Lisbon, Portugal, were diagnosed with a deadly infection caused by rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV2). All the rabbits were between 8 months and 2 years old and had not been vaccinated against this virus. One rabbit showed symptoms like lethargy, rapid breathing, and increased heart rate, but despite hospitalization and supportive care, it lost conscio
- Case series: Four fatal rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus infections in urban pet rabbits.
Frontiers in veterinary science · 2023
Four pet rabbits in Lisbon, Portugal, were diagnosed with a deadly infection caused by rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV2). All were unvaccinated and showed symptoms like lethargy and rapid breathing before dying shortly after arriving at the clinic. One 8-month-old female rabbit was hospitalized but unfortunately lost consciousness and passed away despite treatment. Testi
- An overview of rabbit diseases and their current vaccination protocols
The Veterinary Nurse · 2022
Rabbits are becoming more common as pets, and it's important for veterinarians to help owners understand how to care for them, especially regarding vaccinations. Two serious viral diseases that rabbits can be vaccinated against are rabbit viral hemorrhagic disease (RVHD), which is caused by a type of virus called calicivirus, and myxomatosis. The original strain of RVHD has bee
- First detected case of rabbit Haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) in the Irish hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus)
Irish Veterinary Journal · 2021 · GB
In July 2019, the first case of a virus called RHDV2, which causes rabbit hemorrhagic disease, was found in a wild Irish hare. This hare showed unusual behavior, like running in circles, before it died. A thorough examination after death revealed pink foam in its windpipe and swollen lungs, but no bleeding in other organs. Tests confirmed that the hare had high levels of the vi
- First detected case of rabbit Haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) in the Irish hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus)
Irish Veterinary Journal · 2021
In July 2019, the first case of a virus called RHDV2, which causes rabbit hemorrhagic disease, was found in a wild Irish hare. This hare showed unusual behavior, like running in circles, before it died. A thorough examination after its death revealed pink foam in its windpipe and congestion in its lungs, but no bleeding in other organs. Tests confirmed that the hare had high le
Frequently asked questions
- Can I protect my rabbit without a vaccine?
- Not reliably. The virus survives for months on surfaces, clothing, and hay — you can track it indoors on your shoes. Biosecurity helps reduce risk but vaccination is the only proven protection against a virus this lethal and this environmentally persistent.
- What if I only have the old RHDV1 vaccine?
- The older RHDV1-only vaccines offer little to no cross-protection against RHDV2, which is now the dominant strain in most countries. Ask your vet for the combined RHDV-2 vaccine — it's available in the UK, Europe, and increasingly elsewhere.
- Can my rabbit survive RHDV?
- Survival is extremely rare with classic RHDV1 and uncommon with RHDV2 in unvaccinated rabbits. Some RHDV2 cases present as a slower, subacute form with jaundice and hepatic failure that can occasionally be supported through intensive care, but the prognosis remains very guarded. Vaccinated rabbits exposed to the virus fare dramatically better.