Ohio House Rabbit Rescue has been made aware that on Sept. 19, 2018, rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHD2) was detected in a domestic rabbit in Medina, Ohio which is just south of Cleveland. RHD2 is a viral disease that can cause sudden death in rabbits.

For those concerned with how this could pontentially impact their rabbits, please see the Ohio Dept of Agriculture’s RHD2 update page for information and updates regarding this case. Your bunny-savvy vet is likely keeping tabs on the situation and may have tips for you as additional information about the virus is collected.

With Midwest BunFest 2018 only a few short weeks away, Ohio House Rabbit Rescue and the OHRR team that bring you Midwest BunFest are taking this news very seriously and are currently consulting with trusted veterinary advisors to determine how best to respond. Our veterinary advisers have been in contact with the state veterinarian’s office. We are hoping to have more information to share in early October, before MWBF, as new evaluations are completed after the incubation period of 7-10 days has passed.

We appreciate your patience as we pull together the necessary information to address the implications for the bunnies that may be in attendance at the event. Their health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. 

As we get more information, we will be posting details on our websites (www.ohiohouserabbitrescue.org and www.midwestbunfest.org) and on social media.