The virus that causes rabbit hemorrhagic disease — or RHD — is spreading across the United States, killing virtually all of its victims, both wild and domestic rabbits alike.

Fortunately, in September 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture granted emergency use authorization for a safe and effective RHD vaccine.

By now, residents in over 40 states and the District of Columbia have access to the vaccine — and just in the nick of time. Once RHD appears, it spreads like wildfire. The virus can be tracked inside on shoes and clothing, making domestic rabbits as vulnerable as their wild cousins.

So, if you have a rabbit in harm’s way, contact your veterinarian regarding a vaccination plan. There’s no time to waste once RHD arrives on the scene.