VHD in Rabbits

Page 3 of information on VHD in rabbits

What other outbreaks have there been?

#2)  There was a VHD outbreak at the zoo in Flushing, New York.  It was determined that the virus was brought in on contaminated frozen mean for their large cats, etc. This virus is in almost every other country in the world and will become more and more evident here in the US as time goes by.  Our best line of defense is to practice good rabbit care policies and communicate with others as the need arises.

What would I do if several of my rabbits suddently died and I didn't know why?

If you have several rabbits die (like 2 today and 1 tomorrow and 2 the next day) and you can't figure out what's going on, contact your local vet and ask him for help with reporting to the states veteriniain's office the possibility of a VHD outbreak.  He will get the necessary form and help you fill it out if you need.  Explain to them that because the risk is SO high of transmission you prefer to submit the dead rabbit yourself.  It will be less expensive this way, and time is of the essence with any submission for necropsy. To carry or ship a rabbit body to the lab safely:  Put the carcus in a 1 or 2 gallon Ziploc freezer bag, being careful that the toenails do not punch a hold in the bag.  Be sure it is sealed, expressing as much air as possible first.  Submerge the bag in COLD ice water for at least 2 hours, adding ice as needed to cool the carcass quickly but don't freeze anything.  Dunk the tightly sealed bag in a bleach solution  (1 part bleach with 8 parts water) for 3 minutes, then rise and put into another bag.  Dunk and rinse this outside bag too.  Box the rabbig bag with ice packs in an inner liner (plastic garbage bag?), seal very well, and ship the fastest possible route to the lab or take it yourself.  Destroy the latex gloves worn during this process, wash clothes in a bleach solution, and take a bath. The lab report will be sent to your local vet and he can help you understand the findings.

Where else on the web can I look for information about VHD?

Join the VHDInfo list at httP://groups.yahoo.com/group/VHDInfo/ www.arba.net www.prma.org www.rabbit.org/care/vhd.html www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/gray_book/FAD/uhd.html

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