Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 Detected in Bosque and Ector Counties
AUSTIN- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), in conjunction with National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) and several Texas landowners, has detected the presence of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) in Bosque and Ector Counties. This case in Bosque County is the ninth and most easterly Texas county to have a confirmed case of RHDV2; TPWD is also investigating suspected cases in Mason County. Several counties in west and central Texas that have had recent confirmed cases of RHDV2 continue to report rabbit mortalities; counties with recently confirmed RHDV2 cases include El Paso, Brewster, Terrell, Gillespie, Reeves, Mills, Pecos, Ector, and now Bosque County. TPWD is currently investigating additional suspect cases in Mason County. The carcasses of two wild jackrabbits were found on a resident’s property in Bosque County and were collected for testing in early March after they were reported to be dead with blood coming from the nose. The clinical signs of RHDV2 can include dullness/apathy, not eating, bleeding from the nose and eyes or watery, congested eyes, however most rabbits are found already deceased.