A special clinic to vaccinate rabbits against a deadly and highly contagious disease is taking place Sunday in Nanaimo, following the recent outbreak of the virus in San Juan County, Washington.

“We cannot stress enough the importance of vaccinating your rabbits against rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus,” VI Fluffle, a Nanaimo rabbit advocacy company, said in a statement.

The disease “is fatal and affects both indoor and outdoor rabbits. Unless you are vaccinated against this disease, there is no cure.

The disease, which is not known to affect humans or other pets, appeared on Vancouver Island in 2018 and 2019 and killed wild rabbits in Courtenay early last year, said the British Columbia SPCA.

It appeared in rabbits in neighboring San Juan County a few weeks ago, the Washington State Department of Agriculture announced October 4.

San Juan County lies east of the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is a popular destination for residents of British Columbia.

State Veterinarian Dr. Amber Itle confirmed cases on Lopez and Orcas Islands after testing and recommended owners vaccinate their rabbits as soon as possible.

“Remember to follow good biosecurity practices in addition to vaccinating your rabbits. Be sure to isolate new additions for three weeks before mixing them into your colony and avoid contact with domestic and wild rabbits.

Due to the contagious nature of the virus, vaccination is essential to protect domestic and wild rabbits, she said.

The BC SPCA announced in February last year that wild rabbits had died in Courtenay due to the disease. He urged rabbit owners to vaccinate their animals.

In 2018, the disease emerged in wild rabbits found dead in Nanaimo and the Lower Mainland, prompting the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm to temporarily put its rabbits in isolation to ensure their safety.

In 2019, it resurfaced on the Saanich Peninsula when two wild rabbits – domestic animals living in the wild – were found dead.

After being exposed to the virus, a rabbit usually becomes ill within one to five days. Death is common after a short illness, but can also occur suddenly, without warning, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said.

The disease can be spread between rabbits through contact with saliva, nasal secretions, urine, manure, blood and the fur or carcasses of dead rabbits.

Contaminated food, bedding, water and cages can also contribute to its spread. People can transmit the virus through hands and clothing if they have been in contact with a sick rabbit, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said.

The virus can even spread through car tires that are in areas with infected rabbits, he says.

Common signs of the disease include fever, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, groaning, blood spots in the eyes, frothy and bloody nasal discharge, and neurological problems, such as difficulty walking, convulsions and paralysis.

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is a reportable disease under federal animal health regulations. Laboratories should contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency if they discover possible or confirmed cases.

Prevention measures include vaccination and good animal husbandry.

Nanaimo vaccination clinic hours are 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Sundays at 4200 Island Highway North.

To reserve a place, send an email to (email protected). The cost is $35 for the first rabbit and $25 for additional rabbits.

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