The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ( TPWD ) has received confirmation that several black-tailed jackrabbits in Runnels County harbor the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus ( RHDV2 ) in a number of cases.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this region is the 35th status in the state to have a wild detection confirmed since March 2020. Because of these detections’ high frequency and popular geographical distribution, researchers in Texas consider RHDV2 to be widespread.
A highly contagious viral condition known as squirrel bleeding disease, including jackrabbits, cottontails, and domesticated species, is spread through both domestic and wild species. RHDV2 only seems to affect lagomorph varieties. It is unknown whether it affects people, animals, or animals. But, pets shouldn’t be permitted to take pet remains. Mice of all ages are affected by RHDV2, which is almost always fatal. Private owners should discuss vaccinations with their veterinarian and follow proper biosecurity protocols.
RHDV2 can cause dullness/lethargy, a lack of appetite, bleeding from the nose and eyes, or overcrowded, watery eyes, but most disturbed rabbits are typically found dead.
RHDV2 can remain on bones for several months after death. As a result, TPWD advises hunting to remove as little biological material as possible from the site of produce. Any remaining parts of a trash that is being transported for usage by hunters should be disposed of.
TPWD continues to listen to and get deaths events throughout the state. Call a local TPWD wildlife biologist if you spot dead or sick exotic rats. On the RHDV section of the TPWD website, learn more about RHDV2 in outrageous mice.
