Attention RHD virus Lethal rabbit disease spreads increasingly

Dangerous viruses: Increased deaths in rabbits

For several years now, so-called Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) has been spreading in Germany. The disease, which is also referred to as "Chinaseuche" or hemorrhagic disease of rabbits, usually fatal for the animals. Against the disease is a vaccine available.

Rabbit plague is spreading

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) first appeared in European rabbits in China in 1984 and was therefore referred to as China Seek. For some years, a spread of the disease has also been observed in this country. Currently, the RHD virus has been detected in several animals in southeastern Bavaria.

In Germany, the so-called Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) continues to spread. The disease usually ends in rabbits deadly. (Image: drubig-photo / fotolia.com)

New virus variant

According to a statement from the District Office Traunstein, four rabbits died in their compound in Chieming a few weeks ago.

Experts from the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) have discovered RHD viruses in carcasses.

According to the agency, in addition to the well-known classical RHD virus strains and the European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV), a new virus variant RHDV-2 has been detected since 2010. This now occurs in many parts of Germany.

Disease affects only rabbits

The disease, which affects only rabbits, is primarily transmitted by direct contact of the animals and spreads very rapidly in the rabbit population.

Contagion also occurs via indirect contact, such as persons, gathered food or transport cages used by different owners. In addition, transmission by insects such as mosquitoes, rabbit flea or flies is possible.

According to the information, even a few hours after infection, the first signs of illness, such as fever, frugality and apathetic behavior, appear.

According to LGL, however, the disease often leads to the death of the animals even without significant clinical symptoms.

Accordingly, the virus primarily damages liver and vascular cells and causes a widespread loss of liver cells as well as clot formation with bleeding and clot formation in small vessels.

Vaccination protects only conditionally

"In 2016, 142 and significantly more rabbits than in previous years were sent to the LGL for examination," writes the LGL in its annual report.

"In 54 of these animals, LGL diagnosed RHD," it continues.

Only vaccination protects against all forms of RHD. But: "The currently on the market RHDV vaccines protect only to a limited extent against RHDV-2," said the LGL in a statement.

The experts refer to the information provided by the Friedrich Löffler Institute (FLI) and the recommendations of the Standing Vaccination Commission for Veterinary Medicine (StIKoVet). (Ad)