‘It’s spread like wildfire’: Rabbits face a deadly virus of their own as humans battle Covid-19

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- As the human population works to slow the spread of Covid-19, rabbits are fighting a viral disease of their own.

"It's spread like wildfire from New Mexico to Texas and then Arizona and Colorado," said Dr. Marc Silpa, a veterinarian with El Paso's Mesa Veterinary Clinic.

Dr. Silpa told ABC-7 that he has observed two groups of rabbits infected by Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, but he suspects there are many more across the region.

According to Dr. Silpa, the virus is not just spread from rabbit to rabbit. Domestic rabbits can become infected after coming into contact with a surface that has the virus or even a fly that carries it. After infection, he said most rabbits showing signs will live about three days.

"The prognosis is poor," said Dr. Silpa, adding "most rabbits that start showing clinical signs do not make it."

Hikers across New Mexico are reporting groups of dead rabbits across the state, according to disease ecologist Matt Gompper, who leads the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology at New Mexico State University.

"There are clear parallels between the outbreak of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus and the outbreak of Covid-19 in people," Gompper said.

The disease ecologist told ABC-7 that no living creature is safe from a new viral disease.

"All populations - birds, mammals, fishes - they all have diseases, Gompper said. "We have to recognize that these pathogens exist out there in humans and domestic animals, wildlife."

Dr. Silpa told ABC-7 that his clinic should be getting a vaccine soon, but he estimates it will be more expensive than other vaccines because it has to be shipped from overseas.

If you suspect your rabbit is infected, you can call the Mesa Veterinary Clinic at (915) 584-4491.

Dr. Silpa also recommended researching veterinarians that specialize in wildlife at the Association of Exotic Animal Veterinarians and the House Rabbit Society.