A new, highly contagious disease has entered the Arizona desert, and this can affect domesticated species, under certain conditions. Here's what to do if you find a dead rabbit.
New rapid test capability will help monitor fatal rabbit disease
Cheyenne – Wyoming wildlife managers have a new tool to monitor the presence of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2), a disease that can be fatal in wild and domestic rabbits, hares and pikas. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Wildlife Health Laboratory is now equipped to perform a rapid DNA test that reveals the presence of RHDV2 in tissue samples. The ability to quickly test samples enables Game and Fish and the Wyoming State Veterinarian to learn more about the spread of the disease.
Hank Edwards, Game and Fish Wildlife Health Laboratory supervisor, said that performing the test in-house is an important step for monitoring Wyoming’s rabbit populations health.