Overview
Rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease (RVHD, or sometimes just RHD) is a serious and highly contagious virus that affects rabbits. There are two main types: RVHD1 and RVHD2. Both target the liver and other internal organs and cause severe internal bleeding. RVHD1 tends to act quickly, often with little warning. RVHD2 can take longer to develop and may affect younger rabbits too.
What are the symptoms of RHD in rabbits?
RHD can come on suddenly, often without any warning. Some rabbits may not show signs at all and sadly pass away very quickly — this is especially true with RVHD1, which can lead to death within just a day or two. For many owners, it’s a heartbreaking and unexpected loss, with no chance to get help in time.
When symptoms do show, they might include fever, low energy, not eating, trouble breathing, bleeding from the nose, mouth or rear end, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), or unsteady movement and collapse. These signs usually appear very late, which makes it hard to diagnose or treat the disease in time.
RVHD2 tends to develop more slowly than RVHD1, with an incubation period of up to nine days. This gives the virus more time to spread — but it also means you might spot subtle signs like tiredness or a lack of interest in food before things get worse. In some cases, you might see bruising or swelling shortly before your rabbit passes away.
Read more: Vaccinating your rabbit against RVHD and myxomatosis
How does RHD spread?
RHD can spread in many ways, both through direct contact and from contaminated surroundings. Rabbits can catch it from an infected animal’s saliva, urine, droppings, nasal discharge or blood. Worryingly, the virus can still spread even after a rabbit has died. It’s just as easy for the virus to travel indirectly. It can cling to hay, fresh greens, or everyday items like food bowls, water bottles, and litter trays. It can also be carried by insects, birds, other animals, and even people (on hands, clothes, or shoes). You don’t need to have more than one rabbit for them to be at risk. Simply walking in a field where wild rabbits live could bring the virus into your home.
The RHD virus is incredibly resilient. It can survive for more than 100 days at room temperature and isn’t affected by freezing, thawing, or many everyday disinfectants. Even indoor rabbits aren’t fully protected, as the virus can be carried in on shoes, other pets, foraged food, or even by the wind. One of the hardest things about RVHD2 is that rabbits can pass it on before they show any signs of being unwell. This silent spread makes it especially hard to contain, particularly in homes with more than one rabbit or in rescue centres.
To help reduce the risk, avoid using second-hand hutches or accessories unless they’ve been properly disinfected. Change your shoes before entering rabbit areas. If your rabbits live outside, insect-proof netting can help keep flies out. Always quarantine new rabbits for at least three weeks, and make sure they’re vaccinated before letting them mix with others. If your rabbits live outdoors, use rabbit-proof netting around your garden to keep wild rabbits away.
Are all rabbits at risk of RHD?
RHD can affect any pet rabbit, no matter their age, lifestyle, or where they live. While very young rabbits may be protected from RVHD1 for a short time by their mother’s immunity, RVHD2 can infect rabbits of any age. It was once thought very young rabbits were safe, but we now know this is not the case.
Spring and summer carry a higher risk too, as flies and fleas are more active and can carry the virus from place to place. Even well-meaning visitors who’ve recently been around other rabbits might unknowingly bring the virus into your home.
Read more: Myxomatosis in rabbits
Is it true RHD is mainly diagnosed after death?
Unfortunately, there is no quick test to diagnose RHD in a living rabbit. In many cases, RHD causes sudden death with no warning signs. This is especially true with RVHD1, which can move very quickly and sadly lead to death within 24 to 48 hours. It’s important for owners to know that they may not have missed anything.
If you think RHD might be the cause, contact your vet straight away. A confirmed diagnosis usually means sending tissue samples to a specialist lab, as most practices can’t do this testing in-house. While that won’t change the outcome, confirming local outbreaks can help protect other rabbits.
If your rabbit has died, handle their body with care. Use gloves and avoid any contact with fluids. Place them in a sealed plastic bag and keep them somewhere cool (but not frozen) if you’re taking them to the vet. Try not to move them through areas where other rabbits live. If a rabbit has died from RHD, the area where they lived should be treated as contaminated. Bedding, toys, bowls, and surfaces will need to be either thrown away or disinfected with products that are proven to kill the virus. Your vet can advise on the best disinfectants to use and how to apply them safely. In some cases, it may be best to leave the space unused for a few weeks.
Any other rabbits in the home should be watched closely and taken to the vet — especially if they’re not vaccinated. It’s important not to introduce new rabbits until the area has been fully cleaned and your vet has said it’s safe to do so.
How can RHD be prevented?
Vaccination is the best way to protect rabbits from RHD. Most vets offer a combined vaccine that covers RVHD1, RVHD2 and myxomatosis. Rabbits can usually have their first dose from five weeks old, with a yearly booster to keep their protection topped up. In some high-risk areas, your vet might recommend boosters every six months for extra peace of mind. If you’re a Pet Health Club member, your rabbit gets their RHD vaccines as part of their plan.
It’s important to check that your rabbit is protected against both types of RHD. Some vaccines only cover RVHD1 and myxomatosis, so it’s always worth double-checking that RVHD2 is included too.
Even rabbits who live indoors need to be vaccinated. Many confirmed cases of RHD have happened in pets that never go outside — because the virus can still come in on hay, clothes, shoes or even on a breeze. Vaccination is the only reliable way to protect them.
Read more: The five essential freedoms for rabbits
How is RHD treated?
There’s no cure for RHD in rabbits. It’s caused by a type of virus called a calicivirus, and sadly, there are no proven antiviral treatments. That’s why prevention — through vaccination and good hygiene — is the most reliable way to protect your rabbit.
In rare cases where the disease is spotted very early (especially with the slower-moving RVHD2 strain) vets will try managing the symptoms of RVHD with supportive care. This could include fluids to treat dehydration and shock, pain relief, and gentle feeding to help rabbits that have stopped eating. While it can’t cure the virus, supportive care aims to give the rabbit’s immune system a fighting chance.
Treatment usually means hospital care, and sadly, the chances of recovery are very low — even with quick and intensive support. When symptoms are severe and suffering is likely to get worse, vets may advise that euthanasia is the kindest option. These are never easy choices. But knowing the limits of treatment can help you act quickly and kindly.
Rabbit viral hemorrhagic disease FAQs
Can indoor rabbits get RHD?
Yes, they can. The virus can enter your home on shoes, hands, clothes, hay, or even on the fur of other pets. Insects like flies and fleas can also carry it. So even if your rabbit never goes outside, they’re still at risk. That’s why indoor rabbits need vaccinations too.
Is RHD dangerous to humans?
No. RHD only affects rabbits and isn’t a danger to people or other pets like cats and dogs. But humans can still carry the virus on their clothes, shoes or equipment, which is why good hygiene is so important.
What disinfectant kills RHD?
Not all household cleaners work against the RHD virus. Look for a disinfectant that says it’s virucidal and effective against caliciviruses. Your vet can suggest safe, reliable products for cleaning hutches, bowls, carriers and other rabbit spaces.
How often should my rabbit be vaccinated?
Most rabbits need a vaccination once a year. In high-risk areas or during outbreaks, your vet might recommend boosters every six months. Keeping their vaccinations up to date is the best way to keep your rabbit safe.
Is there a test to check if my rabbit has RHD?
Sadly, there’s no quick test for RHD in living rabbits. Most cases are confirmed after death through a post-mortem and tissue testing. That’s one of the reasons prevention is so important.
Can my rabbit still get RHD if they’re vaccinated?
Vaccination greatly lowers the risk, but no vaccine is 100% effective. Even so, vaccinated rabbits are much less likely to become seriously ill or die from the disease. It’s still the best protection available.
What should I do if I find a dead wild rabbit in my garden?
Wear gloves to handle the body and avoid any contact with fluids. Place it in a double-sealed plastic bag and contact your local council for advice on disposal. Clean the area with a suitable disinfectant and keep your rabbit away from it. If you’re worried about exposure, speak to your vet.
Can my dog or cat bring RHD into the house?
Yes, it’s possible. Dogs and cats can carry the virus on their paws or fur after being outside. If there’s a local outbreak, it’s a good idea to wipe their feet after walks and wash your hands before going near your rabbit.
What do studies on RHD in rabbits say?
A global origin and rapid spread
A large study from Portugal traced the origins of RHD back to China in 1984, where it caused an estimated 140 million rabbit deaths in less than a year — that’s how infectious and fast-moving this virus can be when given the chance. The research also found that the virus can survive in the bodies of deceased rabbits for up to three months.
Wider host range and younger victims
Research from Ireland focused on the newer RVHD2 strain, which affects more species—including hares and small wild mammals. Unlike the original strain, it can infect rabbits as young as 10 days old. The study found that the fatality rate within a population of wild rabbits can vary widely — from 5% to 80%. One of the main factors in this range was the population density — the closer the wild rabbits were living together, the more devastating the RHD outbreak.
Real-world impact on farms
An outbreak investigation in Nigeria reported a case fatality rate of nearly 80% across 28 farms. The biggest risk factor was the introduction of new rabbits—more than 70% of the affected farms had recently taken in new animals. Even though many farms had basic biosecurity in place, fewer than one in five limited visitor access, revealing an important gap in protection.
Indoor rabbits are not immune
A Portuguese case series detailed four fatal RVHD2 cases in pet rabbits kept entirely indoors in Lisbon. One rabbit, though vaccinated against the older RVHD1 strain, still succumbed to the newer virus. The report confirmed that indirect transmission—possibly through contaminated grass or clothing—remains a very real threat even in urban environments.
What the virus does to the body
An Armenian study examined the immune effects of RHD. Rabbits that died from the virus showed widespread liver destruction, lung damage, and severe internal bleeding. These pathological signs help explain the rapid deterioration and sudden death seen in many cases, even when clinical signs are mild or absent.
Older strains are still circulating
A Polish study confirmed that in some areas, older RVHD1 strains are still circulating alongside RVHD2. Among 14 rabbits that died suddenly, eight tested positive for RVHD, and many showed classical signs such as pale, fragile livers and blood-filled lungs. The study stressed that vaccination remains essential due to the lack of any effective treatment and the disease’s notifiable status under global animal health laws.
What is the impact of RHD on wildlife?
RHD has had a big impact on wild rabbit populations across the UK and beyond. Since it first appeared, outbreaks have changed the balance of local ecosystems. Wild rabbits are an important food source for predators like foxes, stoats, weasels, and birds of prey, including buzzards and owls. When rabbit numbers fall due to RHD, these animals can struggle to find enough to eat. That can affect their ability to breed and survive, which in turn disrupts the wider food chain.
Rabbits also help shape the landscape through their grazing. Without them, some areas may see overgrown vegetation, changes in plant life, and a drop in biodiversity. That can affect insects, birds, and other small animals.
Because RVHD is now widespread among wild rabbits in the UK, it continues to pose a threat to pet rabbits. Wild rabbits can carry and spread the virus for days before becoming unwell, which means it can linger in the environment and change over time. New forms of RVHD2 have already appeared, with changes in how the virus behaves and how severe it can be.
Do pet owners need to report cases of RVHD?
Pet owners have an important role to play in helping stop the spread of RHD. Because the virus can travel quickly between places and animals, staying informed and taking action makes a real difference. If you suspect RVHD — whether in your own rabbit or a wild one you come across — get in touch with your local vet straight away. They can help confirm what’s happened, guide you on how to prevent further spread, and may also report the case to other vets or animal health authorities.
As a pet owner, you can make a difference by:
Encouraging friends, neighbours and other rabbit owners to keep their pets vaccinated
Sharing reliable updates on social media—especially during outbreaks
Disinfecting your shoes and equipment after visiting parks or rural areas
Avoiding areas with wild rabbits during active outbreaks
Practising and promoting good hygiene and quarantine habits
Community protection starts with awareness. By staying alert, reporting concerns, and helping others do the same, owners can play a key part in limiting the spread of RVHD.
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Medically reviewed by Lizzie Youens, BSc(Hons) BVSc MRCVS
Published on 10/06/2019 • Reviewed on 26/11/2025