October 31,2025
RED FM News Desk
The B.C. government is warning rabbit owners on Vancouver Island after evidence of a “highly contagious and often deadly disease” was discovered among wild rabbits.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, rabbit hemorrhagic disease affects only rabbits but can be spread short distances via the fur, feet, or droppings of other animals.
The illness can cause fever, lethargy, breathing problems, bleeding from the nose or mouth, and sudden death. It typically spreads through direct contact between rabbits but can also be transmitted indirectly through contaminated bedding, food, water, cages, clothing, footwear, or vehicle tires.
Although the disease has not yet been confirmed as the cause of death for several wild rabbits recently found in Cedar, near Nanaimo, testing is underway. The ministry is urging domestic rabbit owners to take extra precautions.
The disease has previously been detected in feral, commercial, and pet rabbits in Parksville, the Comox Valley, Nanaimo, Richmond, Delta, and Vancouver.
There is no cure for infected rabbits, but a vaccine is available, and owners are encouraged to consult their veterinarians about immunization. The ministry also advises practising good hygiene when handling rabbits or cleaning their enclosures and keeping them away from areas where the virus may be present.
Additional information about preventing rabbit hemorrhagic disease is available on the B.C. SPCA’s fact sheet.
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