Deadly Rabbit Virus Confirmed in Montana After Multiple Wild Rabbits Test Positive

Wildlife officials in Montana are asking residents to stay alert after three wild rabbits found on the campus of Rocky Mountain College in Billings tested positive for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV2), a highly contagious virus capable of causing sudden death in both wild and domestic rabbits.

While the virus poses no risk to people, dogs, or cats, it has the potential to spread rapidly through rabbit populations, prompting state officials to issue guidance for both the public and pet rabbit owners.

A Serious Threat to Rabbits

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is one of the most devastating viral diseases affecting rabbits worldwide.

The virus primarily infects wild and domestic rabbits, but it can also affect hares and pikas, all members of the rabbit family. Once infected, animals often develop severe liver damage and internal bleeding, with many dying suddenly before obvious clinical signs are noticed.

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, there is currently no evidence that the virus infects humans or other household pets.

How the Virus Spreads

One of the greatest challenges with RHDV2 is its remarkable ability to spread.

The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected rabbits, exposure to blood or other bodily fluids, contaminated feed or bedding, and even indirectly on clothing, footwear, equipment, cages, or human hands.

Unlike many viruses, RHDV2 is also extremely hardy in the environment, allowing it to survive for extended periods and increasing the likelihood of indirect transmission.

Because of its environmental persistence, a single infected rabbit can potentially expose numerous other animals without direct contact.

What to Do if You Find a Dead Rabbit

State officials are urging the public not to handle dead rabbits with bare hands.

Anyone who encounters a deceased rabbit should wear disposable gloves before moving the carcass, place it in a sealed bag, thoroughly wash their hands afterward, and disinfect any equipment or surfaces that may have come into contact with the animal.

Wildlife officials also note that they do not need reports of every individual dead rabbit.

However, discovering multiple dead rabbits in the same location could indicate an active outbreak and should be reported to wildlife authorities for further investigation.

Advice for Pet Rabbit Owners

For owners of pet rabbits, biosecurity remains the best defense.

Veterinarians recommend preventing contact between pet rabbits and wild rabbits, avoiding bringing contaminated shoes or equipment into rabbit housing areas, and thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting cages, feeders, water bottles, and handling equipment.

Officials also remind owners never to release unwanted pet rabbits into the wild. Feral rabbit colonies can become important reservoirs for infectious diseases, making future outbreaks even more difficult to control.

Vaccination Is Available

Unlike many wildlife diseases, veterinarians have one important tool available against RHDV2: vaccination.

A vaccine is available for domestic rabbits through licensed veterinarians, and rabbit owners are encouraged to discuss vaccination with their veterinarian, particularly in areas where the virus has been detected or where exposure risk may be higher.

Owners who suspect their rabbit has been exposed or is showing signs of illness should seek veterinary care immediately.

Why Veterinarians Should Pay Attention

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease has become an increasing concern across North America over the past several years as outbreaks have expanded geographically.

For veterinarians who treat rabbits, early recognition and strong biosecurity protocols remain essential to limiting spread within clinics and protecting hospitalized patients.

Although the current Montana cases involve wildlife, they serve as an important reminder that diseases affecting free-ranging animal populations can quickly become companion animal health concerns.

With RHDV2 now confirmed in Billings, veterinarians and rabbit owners alike are being reminded that vigilance, vaccination, and strict hygiene remain the best defenses against one of the deadliest diseases affecting rabbits today.