It’s spread through direct contact between rabbits or contaminated food, bedding, clothing, footwear, or even vehicle tires. It can also be carried short distances on an animal’s fur, their feet, or in their droppings.
The disease poses no risk to humans or other animals.
While there is no treatment for the disease, a vaccine for domestic rabbits is available in B.C., and owners are advised to speak to their veterinarian for more information or if their rabbit is experiencing any symptoms.
Other tips to protect your pets include practicing good hygiene when handling rabbits or their housing, and keeping your rabbit away from areas where the disease might be present.
In recent years, the disease has been found in feral, commercial, and pet rabbits in Nanaimo, Parksville, the Comox Valley, and places on the lower Mainland.
More information can be found here.
Subscribe to our daily news wrap. Local news delivered to your email inbox every evening. Stay up to date on everything Nanaimo and Oceanside.
info@nanaimonewsnow.com
Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook