10/2/2021 UPDATE: MASS VACCINATION EVENT SIGN UP INFORMATION

The pre-registration link for the mass vaccination clinic on Halloween weekend is now available! Please note that all rabbits will need a booster in November. According to the event organizers (Peacebunny Rescue), the total cost for this event will be no more than $60 per rabbit.

10/1/2021 VACCINATION UPDATE:

A mass vaccination clinic will be held on Halloween weekend, with sign-ups opening on 10/2 at https://www.rhdv2.com/. More information to come, so please stay tuned! Our president is also working with our rescue partners to set up an additional vaccination clinic in MN. Stay tuned for details!

10/1/2021:

In response to the recent confirmation of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) in Ramsey County, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health is authorizing licensed veterinarians to order and administer a RHDV2 vaccine manufactured by Medgene Labs. The vaccine is available in 25 dose vials and could start shipping to Minnesota veterinarians as early as next week.

The vaccine may only be administered by a Minnesota licensed veterinarian. Vaccines can be ordered by contacting Medgene Labs at 605-697-2600.

Read the full press release online here.

9/28/2021:

Today the Minnesota Board of Animal Health will have a press release announcing the confirmation of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 in Minnesota. The press release is available online at https://www.bah.state.mn.us/news_release/highly-contagious-disease-confirmed-in-pet-rabbit/.

On Thursday September 23 2021 USDA Foreign Animal Disease Laboratory in Plum Island NY confirmed finding RHDV2 in an indoor pet rabbit. The rabbit was one of two that died suddenly at a residence in a northern Twin Cities suburb. There are no other rabbits on the premises and the areas/crates/cages/food bowls have been cleaned and disinfected. The premises has been quarantined and an epidemiological investigation is ongoing.

Due to the seriousness of this disease (extremely high incidence of fatality in rabbits; no treatments are available) and how easily it can spread, the Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society has made the difficult decision to pause all events where rabbits are allowed to gather. This includes: Hoppy Hours, Nail Trims & Scent Gland Cleanings, Adoption Events, bunny dates. Sadly, we need to pause any intake of new rabbits from the general public or shelters/rescues that do not adequately quarantine rabbits for a period of 14-30 days prior to transfer.

Our President has been in contact with the Senior Veterinarian for the MN Board of Animal Health, Dr. Greg Suskovic, DVM, and will relay any updates as they become available. He recommends VIGILANCE to avoid exposure to the disease. Please see details at: https://www.rabbitrescueandrehab.org/rhdv

The State of MN is currently discussing approval of a vaccination for RHDV2 to be used in Minnesota. Until it is available and enough rabbits have been vaccinated, we will need to remain vigilant. Please check back frequently for updates. You may email our President, Karen Skewes, at president@mncompanionrabbit.org with more specific questions. Please understand that this is a developing situation and it may take up to 72 hours for a response. Thank you kindly for your patience and understanding as we navigate the difficult days ahead.