April 17, 2025 10:00 a.m.

On Wednesday, the Oregon Department of Agriculture confirmed Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease in domestic rabbits in a Douglas County rabbitry.

An ODA release said the rabbit’s owner noted sudden rabbit deaths, reporting the symptoms to their veterinarian late last week. The veterinarian suspected RHDV and immediately reported it to ODA. Most rabbits at the rabbitry have since died with the remaining rabbits under quarantine.

The affected rabbits were housed outdoors where they may have potentially been exposed to wild rabbits. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has not diagnosed RHDV in wild rabbits in western Oregon, but the virus is known to be present in wild populations in central and eastern Oregon.

The release said the virus is highly contagious among rabbit populations. It can spread through contact with infected rabbits, meat, fur, or materials coming into contact with them. RHDV poses no human health risk. The virus only infects rabbits and does not pose a risk to humans.

ODA and ODFW ask that the public report rabbit mortalities to track the virus’s presence and movement. Call 503-986-4711.

For more information about Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, go to: https://www.oregon.gov/oda/animal-health-feeds-livestock-id/animal-diseases/Pages/rhdv.aspx