Yep, 2020 is the year that keeps on givin’ y’all. So “Bunny Ebola” is a real thing and it’s killing thousands of domestic and wild rabbits in the Southwest including Texas.
Right now 7 states are reporting mass casualties in wild and domestic rabbit populations. Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Texas. Parts of western Mexico have also been hit with the virus.
The virus causes lesions in rabbits’ organs and tissues, which leads to internal bleeding and death. Often the only outward sign that the animals are infected comes after their death: After suddenly dropping dead, their noses leak bloody discharge.
The virus known as RHDV2 is not really an ebola virus, but, the symptoms mimic as such.
This is the 4th outbreak of the disease since it was reported 35 years ago in China.
But it’s the first time the virus has spread beyond domesticated animals to hit rabbits, pikas, and hares native to North America. Cottontails, snowshoe hares, and jackrabbits have all gotten sick.
The virus is highly contagious and spreads quickly. Reports of 200 or more rabbits dying in 24-48 hours are common
The death rate is around 90%. Those that survive are ultimately destroyed because they keep spreading the virus up to 2 months later.
While the virus can’t infect humans or other types of animals, it can stick to hair, shoes, and clothing to move between bunny hosts. If a rabbit touches a surface contaminated by viral particles, it could get sick. Insects that roam between rabbits can spread particles, too.
There is no vaccine at this time.
