Rabies in two privately owned domestic rabbits

Two privately owned domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Maryland were found to be infected with the raccoon variant of the rabies virus in 1998. Both rabbits had an acute onset of anorexia and paralysis or paresis of the left forelimb; 1 also developed head tremors and a head tilt. One of the rabbits became ill 25 days after being attacked by a raccoon (Procyon lotor) and was euthanatized 3 days after onset of illness. The other rabbit, which was housed in an outdoor hutch, died 4 days after onset of clinical signs; the source of infection in that rabbit remains unknown. Currently, there is not a rabies vaccine approved for use in rabbits; thus, the only way to prevent the infection in rabbits is to prevent exposure. Veterinarians in rabies-enzootic areas should be familiar with the clinical signs of rabies in rabbits and should caution rabbit owners about the need to protect their pets from contact with wildlife.