What you need to know about Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus

It’s official: In January 2026, Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus was confirmed as close as Dare County, North Carolina. But what exactly is this virus? And, most importantly, how can we protect our rabbits?

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) is a highly contagious and often fatal virus that affects domestic and wild rabbits. Symptoms can include lethargy and decreased appetite, though most often the disease progresses so quickly that the only sign a rabbit has been infected is sudden death.

RHDV spreads through direct contact and contaminated surfaces, which is what puts our indoor rabbits at risk. Even if your rabbit never goes outside, we can carry the virus home on our shoes, clothes, and hands. RHDV is a serious threat – which makes prevention essential.

The best way to protect your rabbit is through vaccination. The RHDV vaccine is safe and effective, starting with an initial injection and a follow-up booster. To keep your rabbit protected, boosters are currently recommended every 6 months.

Worried about the stress of bringing your rabbit to the vet? We hear you. Take comfort knowing that Fear Free care is our specialty. We take extra steps to keep rabbits calm and comfortable—while also keeping them protected from serious disease.

It’s time to get them protected. Let’s schedule your rabbit’s RHDV vaccine today.

Call us at 757.956.1110 or book online at https://petportal.vet/vvc.