Message From ARBA
August 20, 2001
Dear Fellow ARBA Members:
Today I received a telephone call from Dr. Joe Annelli, Emerging Programs,
USDA/APHIS. The purpose of the call was to confirm that Rabbit Calici Virus
(RCV), also known as Viral Hemorrhagic Disease (VHD), has once again been
diagnosed in the United States. RCV was confirmed as the cause of death of
several rabbits in a large commercial rabbitry (approximately 600 animals) in
Utah. The rabbitry in Utah has been quarantined and an investigation was
initiated by representative of USDA/APHIS. Prior to the outbreak being
confirmed as RCV the owner had allegedly sold and/or shipped rabbits to sites
in Montana, Idaho and Illinois. These sites are also being investigated as
possible sources for additional outbreaks at this time.In addition, a shipment of approximately 3,600 market rabbits believed to be handled by the owner in Utah was detained Sunday at the border of California. These rabbits will now be destroyed and the owner compensated with funding from the federal government and the local state government.
Currently, the USDA/APHIS plan is to attempt to contain the outbreak in Utah. The animals at the site will be destroyed and a quarantine area set up. In addition, an investigation was initiated to confirm whether rabbits were indeed shipped to Montana, Idaho and Illinois. Once confirmed, it is assumed that animals at these three sites will also be destroyed and quarantined, as needed. If no other outbreaks are identified, it is anticipated that no additional animals will be destroyed at other sites. However, further investigations will be conducted to confirm no other animals have been exposed.
I encourage you to work with the ARBA State and Provincial Reps, state organizations, local clubs, and other organizations and members interested in rabbits so we help educate rabbit owners everywhere about the status of the outbreak. I recommend you refer to information referenced on the ARBA website. Please ensure you emphasize the facts of the outbreak as they are learned. Once the "outbreak" sites have been quarantined and the outbreak contained we will be better prepared to determine a course of action. It is extremely important that everyone remain calm and gather as much information as possible. Only then will each person be able to conduct a risk assessment and determine the impact on their animals.
If you are concerned about suspicious deaths in your rabbitry I encourage you to provide your local veterinarian with the appropriate background information on Rabbit Calici Virus and have representative animals necropsied to determine an accurate diagnosis as to the cause of death. If the local veterinarian is suspicious of Rabbit Calici Virus they can contact the state veterinarian who will then contact the Federal Area Veterinarian in Charge, to handle the situation, if necessary.
If you must purchase animals, use strict biosecurity (control access to your rabbitry) and minimize contact of purchased animals with your herd. Handle all new animals last. Maintain animals in isolation for at least 4 to 6 weeks to minimize the threat to your herd of bringing RCV in with new animal purchases.
Please use common sense when considering how to address the impact of the agent on your rabbits. If you can avoid contact with other rabbits and not allow rabbit owners access to your rabbitry it will minimize the risk to your animals. Each of us must logically evaluate how best to handle this situation. Now is an excellent time to evaluate your management plan to ensure you minimize the threat of infectious disease problems in your rabbitry.
As additional information on the outbreak is obtained you will be updated!
Chris Hayhow
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