08/09/2026
Saskatchewan just reported its first case of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease. This is a timely reminder that this deadly virus has been present in Western Canada intermittently since 2018.
All companion rabbits should be vaccinated!
In July 2026, veterinarians confirmed Saskatchewan's first case of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV2). RHDV2 is a highly contagious and often fatal disease of domestic rabbits, feral rabbits, wild rabbits and hares. It doesn't cause disease in humans or other animal species.
🐇 If you own rabbits, please take these important steps:
• contact your local veterinarian to have rabbits annually vaccinated for RHDV2
• keep rabbits housed indoors since the disease can be spread by contact or through food
• prevent contact with wild rabbits, hares or feral rabbits
Visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website for more information about RHDV2: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/immediately-notifiable/rabbit-haemorrhagic-disease-0