Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD): symptoms, emergency and vaccination

Veterinary warning — RHD is an absolute veterinary emergency. A rabbit showing bleeding, sudden respiratory distress, or an unexplained death should prompt an immediate emergency consultation. This guide is informational and does not replace veterinary advice.

Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD, also called RVHD or VHD) is one of the most devastating viral infections affecting domestic rabbits. It kills rapidly — often before any sign is even noticed — and there is no cure. Understanding how it spreads, how to recognise it, and how to prevent it is essential for every rabbit owner.

The virus: two strains to know

RHD is caused by a calicivirus (family Caliciviridae). Two strains currently circulate in Europe and beyond:

RHD1 (classic strain)

• First identified in China in the 1980s, present in Europe since the 1990s
• Incubation: 1–3 days
• Lightning progression: death in 12–36 hours after first signs
• Affects only domestic and wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
• Classic vaccines are effective against this strain

RHD2 (new strain)

• Emerged in France around 2010, now dominant across Western Europe and spreading globally
• Longer incubation: 3–5 days
• Subacute progression possible (a few days of visible signs before death)
• Also affects hares (Lepus europaeus)
• Extremely environmentally stable (survives weeks outdoors)
• Requires specific or trivalent vaccines for full coverage

How RHD spreads

RHD transmits primarily through:

• Direct contact between infected and healthy rabbits
• Indirect contact: the virus survives on clothing, shoes, gardening tools, and freshly picked wild plants from outdoor areas
• Airborne transmission: over short distances (a few metres), especially in high-density rabbit settings
• Insects and rodents: flies can mechanically carry the virus
• Contaminated soil: areas where wild infected rabbits roam are sources of contamination

An indoor rabbit is not safe: owners can carry the virus home on their shoes or clothing after walking through areas where wild rabbits live.

Symptoms: when death arrives without warning

RHD is particularly cruel because, in its acute form (especially RHD1), a rabbit can die with no visible prior signs.

Peracute form (RHD1, common)

• Sudden death within a few hours, often overnight
• The rabbit may be found dead with no visible illness the previous day
• Sometimes: a single convulsive episode or a cry, then death

Acute form (RHD1 and RHD2)

Signs appear and progress rapidly:

Death typically occurs within 24–72 hours of the first clinical signs.

Subacute form (RHD2, sometimes)

With RHD2, a slower course is possible:

• Progressive lethargy over 2–4 days
• Partial then complete anorexia
• Jaundice (icterus) possible — sign of liver damage
• Death within 5–10 days

This slower course with RHD2 sometimes allows a vet visit, but the prognosis remains very poor without a specific treatment.

Diagnosis

A definitive diagnosis relies on laboratory analysis (PCR, serology) carried out by the vet, often post-mortem. There is no reliable rapid in-clinic test. Differential diagnoses include severe GI stasis and acute poisoning — but the speed and brutality of the course strongly points toward RHD.

Treatment: none available

There is no specific antiviral treatment for RHD. Management is supportive:

• Intensive fluid therapy
• Liver support (hepatoprotectants)
• Treatment of coagulopathy (clotting disorders)
• Intensive care with constant monitoring

These measures may slightly extend survival but do not fundamentally alter the outcome in acute cases. Most rabbits with RHD die despite intensive supportive care.

Vaccination: the only protection

Vaccination is the only effective protective measure. It is recommended for all rabbits — indoor and outdoor alike — from 5 to 10 weeks of age.

Available vaccines (UK/Europe context)

Coverage against RHD2 is particularly important: older RHD1-only vaccines do not protect against RHD2. Check with your vet that your rabbit is covered against both strains.

For the full protocol (age of first vaccination, intervals, costs), see our guide on rabbit vaccination and the practical vaccination schedule.

Additional prevention

Beyond vaccination:

• Do not bring in wild plants (dandelions, grasses) picked from areas where wild rabbits roam, especially during known disease outbreaks
• Disinfect cages and accessories with appropriate virucidal products after any contact with other rabbits
• Avoid gatherings of rabbits (shows, pet shops) if vaccination status is unknown
• Quarantine any new rabbit before introducing it to the household

For an overview of the major infectious diseases to vaccinate against, see our article on rabbit myxomatosis and the rabbit species page.