Death in four RHDV2-vaccinated pet rabbits due to rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is a highly contagious and often fatal disease affecting rabbits.
• Vaccination is a primary tool for preventing RHDV2, but breakthrough infections have been reported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document cases of fatal RHDV2 infections in companion rabbits despite vaccination with an RHDV2-specific vaccine.
• To raise awareness among veterinarians about the possibility of vaccine failure in RHDV2 cases.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case series involving four companion rabbits.
• Review of patient signalment, vaccination history, and results of pathological and molecular examinations.

Main Results:

• All four rabbits experienced peracute death or presented with non-specific symptoms like apathy and inappetence.
• Pathological and molecular findings confirmed RHDV2 infection in all cases.
• Simultaneous deaths in other companion animals under similar circumstances were noted.

Conclusions:

• This is the first report detailing fatalities in RHDV2-vaccinated companion rabbits confirmed by documented case and vaccination history.
• Veterinarians must consider RHDV2 as a potential cause of death even in vaccinated animals.
• Prompt investigation of suspected cases and reporting to manufacturers and authorities are crucial.