The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources recently confirmed new cases of Rabbit Hememtorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV-2) in Summit and Tooele counties, marking the first detection of the virus in wild rabbits within Utah since July 11, 2022. The discovery follows the identification of deceased cottontail rabbits in Kamas during late May and black-tailed jackrabbits in the West Desert in early June.
Impact on Wildlife Ecosystems
According to Moab Times reporting, carcasses found in both counties were submitted to the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, where testing returned positive results for the highly infectious RHDV-2 virus. DWR spokesperson Faith Jolley noted that the disease is often fatal and affects both wild and domestic rabbit species.
While the virus does not pose a known threat to humans or livestock, officials warned of significant ecological consequences. Jolley stated that high mortality rates from the disease could negatively impact rabbit populations, which in turn threatens predators that rely on them as a primary food source, such as bobcats and golden eagles.
Disease History and Spread
RHDV-2 was first identified in the United States in 2020. Since its arrival, Utah has seen confirmed cases in several regions, including Uintah, San Juan, Wayne, Sanpete, and Iron counties. While recent wild rabbit detections have surfaced, there are currently no confirmed cases of the virus in domestic rabbits within the state, with the last domestic detection occurring in April 2025.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Veterinarian Ginger Stout explained that the virus specifically targets rabbits and hares. However, she cautioned that precautions must be $\text{taken}$ when handling any rabbit or hare carcasses to prevent the accidental spread of RHDV-2 or other infectious diseases that these animals may carry.
Symptoms and Reporting Procedures
The virus causes liver inflammation that prevents blood from clotting, eventually leading to death through internal hemorrhaging. Key clinical signs of the disease include bleeding from the nose or mouth. Because there is no available treatment for RHDLY-2, officials emphasize the importance of early reporting.
Jolley advised that if individuals encounter multiple dead rabbits or animals showing symptoms, they should leave the carcasses undisturbed. Instead, observers should take a photograph, record the exact location, and contact the nearest DWR office immediately.
Environmental Survival and Risks
Controlling the disease in wild populations is extremely difficult once it becomes established. The virus can survive for months in the environment and spreads through various vectors, including contaminated food or water, urine, feces, and even through the feces of predators that have consumed infected rabbits. Stout noted that humans can inadvertently spread the virus by carrying it on their shoes or clothing after walking near deceased rabbits.
To mitigate risk, DWR provided specific guidelines for rabbit hunters and those handling game. Experts recommend that hunters avoid harvesting any rabbits that appear lethargic or sick and suggest wearing rubber or disposable latex gloves while cleaning harvested animals.
Safety Protocols for Hunters
Proper decontamination is essential for preventing the spread of the virus. DWR recommends decontaminating boots and field gear using a 10% bleach solution after handling rabbits. When processing game, hunters should bag all remains and dispose of them in the trash, though officials noted that individuals should check local ordinances regarding carcass disposal and avoid leaving remains where scavengers can access them.
Additional safety measures include washing hands thoroughly with soap or disinfectant after processing game, disinfecting all knives and surfaces that touched the animal, and showering and changing clothes immediately if further contact with live rabbits is possible. Jolley also advised against eating, drinking, or smoking while handling harvested animals and recommended that all game be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Domestic Rabbit Precautions
For owners of domestic rabbits, any signs of RHDV-2 should be reported immediately to a veterinarian or the State Veterinarian's office at 801-982-2235. Further information regarding the disease in domestic populations can be found on the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) website.
