Wildlife officials are warning residents in Fort Nelson after more than 40 dead wild rabbits were found across the community in recent weeks.
The animals began turning up in late September, with dead rabbits discovered along roadsides, trails and in residential neighbourhoods.
Laboratory testing and diagnostic assessments point to Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, or RHD, as the likely cause of the die-off.
RHD is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect rabbits suddenly and is often fatal. Infected animals can suffer severe internal damage and may die quickly without showing obvious signs of illness beforehand.
The virus can spread through direct contact with an infected rabbit’s saliva, nasal secretions, urine or feces. It can also be carried indirectly by people, including on clothing, equipment and contaminated surfaces.
British Columbia experienced a major outbreak among wild European rabbits in the southwest corner of the province in 2018. Since then, cases have appeared sporadically in other parts of the province.
With no specific treatment available for the disease, officials are urging domestic rabbit owners to take precautions to protect their pets.
That includes keeping rabbits indoors, limiting their exposure to outdoor areas and practising careful hygiene to reduce the risk of bringing the virus home.
Owners are also being asked to report any suspicious or sudden rabbit deaths to a local veterinarian. Samples can then be submitted to the Animal Health Centre for testing.
