A Lower Mainland animal rescue is warning 91原创 rabbit owners that COVID-19 isn鈥檛 the only virus wreaking havoc in North America.
A highly contagious virus is currently decimating rabbit populations in the U.S., explained Rabbitats Rescue Society founder Sorelle Saidman.
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHDV2) resurfaced in the country in February, and has since spread through counties in six southwestern states.
Aldergrove-based Small Animal Rescue Society of BC (SARS BC) executive director Lisa Hutcheon remembers in 2018, when the virus first wiped out feral pet colonies in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island.
鈥淭hat was a super stressful time,鈥� said Hutcheon, who now ensures rabbits at SARS BC鈥檚 shelter receive RHDV2 vaccinations and yearly booster shots.
The Aldergrove shelter also has a 10- to 14-day quarantine period for new rescue intakes 鈥� to further eliminate the possible spread of the disease.
鈥淩abbits under 10 weeks are not affected by the virus yet, so orphans are easy to intake,鈥� Hutcheon noted.
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The current strain circulating the U.S. has an even deadlier twist than prior 鈥� it鈥檚 affecting wild rabbits as well as the imported domestic European breeds, Saidman explained.
鈥淭he virus is considered a worldwide crisis potentially affecting the entire food chain. It can strike any time, anywhere, and the only defence is a vaccine imported from France.鈥�
It can also wipe out farm rabbits and beloved pets, Saidman corroborated.
Rabbitats is urging people to vaccinate their rabbits by contacting their veterinarian or by attending one of the society鈥檚 low-cost clinics.
Hutcheon agreed.
鈥淕et them vaccinated,鈥� she stressed.
鈥淲e never know when or where the virus may resurface. And just because your rabbit may be indoors only, they can still be vulnerable. [Humans] can bring it to them without even knowing.鈥�
Rabbitats staged a RHDV2 vaccination clinic on Sunday, Aug. 23 in conjunction with 91原创鈥檚 Apex Animal Hospital. Pet owners drove through as vet staff vaccinated the pets.
The immunization clinic was a fundraiser for the rabbit rescue, which has locations in Richmond and South Surrey.
