[CED/CD/EAT] Rabbit Virus 4-H Communication

Mon Apr 13 15:34:25 MST 2020

Arizona 4-H Professionals,

We have been made aware by AZDA there is a contagious and deadly rabbit disease present in AZ. The below communication will be sent to all Rabbit project leaders and families with youth enrolled in the rabbit project. Please direct people directly to AZDA for specific guidance about co-mingling rabbits.  Bottomline: rabbits need social distancing too.

Jeremy
__________________________
Dear 4-H Rabbit Project Members and Leaders:

On April 10, 2020 Arizona Department of Agriculture announced there is a new viral disease affecting rabbits.  This disease while currently not widespread causes sudden death. For more information on the disease, go to the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) website (https://agriculture.az.gov/news/press-release-rabbit-hemorrhagic-disease-arizona).

Please follow best practices for biosecurity. Examples of good practices are: do not co-mingle your animals with animals from other herds, isolate new additions to your herd, do not share equipment, and wash your hands before, during, and after handling rabbits.

4-H will be responsive to AZDA recommendations about gatherings of rabbits. As an animal owner it is ultimately your responsibility to make informed decisions about ensuring your animals health. Currently, 4-H in-person programming is suspended and this will hopefully contribute to the limited spread of this rabbit disease because there will be less potential of co-mingling animals or people who can transmit the disease.

____________________________________________________________
Jeremy Elliott-Engel, Ph.D.
Arizona 4-H State Program Leader &
Associate Director, Arizona Cooperative Extension
The University of Arizona
Forbes 301D, P.O. Box 210036
1140 E. South Campus Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85721
Ofc: 520-621-3390

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