The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has confirmed the presence of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) in multiple black-tailed jackrabbits in Runnels County.
This marks the 35th county in Texas with a confirmed wild detection since March 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Researchers now consider RHDV2 endemic in Texas due to the number and broad geographic distribution of these detections. Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting both domestic and wild rabbit species, including hares, jackrabbits, and cottontails. The virus appears to affect only rabbit species and is not known to impact humans, livestock, or pets. However, pets should not consume dead animal carcasses…