A highly infectious disease has been found in Utah's wild rabbit population again

Key Points:

• Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV-2), a highly infectious and often fatal viral disease affecting rabbits, has been detected in Utah's wild rabbit population for the first time in four years, with cases confirmed in Kamas and Tooele County.
• The disease causes internal hemorrhaging and sudden death in both domestic and wild rabbits, spreading through contact with infected animals or contaminated materials, and can survive for months in the environment.
• Although RHDV-2 does not affect humans or livestock, Utah wildlife officials advise caution when handling rabbit carcasses to prevent indirect spread via clothing or shoes.
• Residents are urged to report sightings of rabbits showing symptoms such as bleeding from the mouth or nose, avoid harvesting sick rabbits, properly clean hunting gear, and cook rabbit meat thoroughly to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources warns that RHDV-2 is extremely difficult to control once established in the wild and encourages public cooperation in monitoring and reporting cases.