01/27/2026
🚨 ATTN RABBIT OWNERS: IMPORTANT HEALTH UPDATE 🚨
We want to share some critical news regarding our local rabbit community. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has confirmed the first case of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 (RHDV2) in a domestic rabbit in Dare County, NC.
🐇What is RHDV2?
RHDV2 is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects both domestic and wild rabbits. It is extremely hardy and can be spread through:
Direct contact with infected rabbits or their fluids.
Contaminated materials like hay, bedding, or clothing.
Insects such as flies, fleas, or mosquitoes.
🐇What are the signs?
In many cases, the only sign is sudden death. Other symptoms can include fever, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, or blood-stained noses.
The Good News: We Can Help! The best way to protect your bunnies is through vaccination. Midway Vet Hospital is proud to carry the RHDV2 vaccine. We recommend that all domestic rabbit owners consider this preventative measure to keep their pets safe. Along with vaccination, practicing good biosecurity—like washing hands before handling your rabbits and keeping them indoors—is essential.
For more details on the confirmed cases in NC, you can read the official press release here: https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2026/01/20/rabbit-hemorrhagic-disease-virus-type-2-confirmed-domestic-rabbit
The first case of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 in North Carolina was confirmed in a domestic rabbit in Dare County. RHDV2 is typically a fatal disease affecting both domestic and wild rabbit populations and is primarily found in the Southwestern United States.
