This is a manmade virus that was developed in the 70's in Australia to bring down the overpopulation of wild rabbits. They designed it so as not to affect any other animals only rabbits. However since it is airborne it quickly spread to domestic rabbits. Then they used it in Europe to eradicate the overpopulation of wild rabbits there, and again, it spread to domestic rabbits due to its highly contagious and airborne traits. Now it has been released in America for whatever reason and so those of us that breed rabbits are faced with it. There are different subtypes of this virus but the result is the same a dead bunny within 24 to 48 hours of contact. It can survive in host up to 103 days in cold temperatures under 30 degrees F. With warmer temperatures it dies in environment within a week supposedly. It can be spread by direct contact between rabbits, feces, handling, and it is also airborne. Please be careful out here folks. Check the rabbits liver when processing if you even have a question as to why it passed. I will be making a thread devoted to liver photos for referencing what healthy liver versus various rabbit diseases do so everyone has a quick reference guide. Please feel free to add pics yourselves to help everyone learn and grow.
