The Province is encouraging rabbit owners in the mid-Vancouver Island area to take extra care after several wild rabbits were found dead in Cedar, showing symptoms of rabbit hemorrhagic disease.

The disease has not yet been confirmed as the cause of death, but testing is underway, and results are pending.

In past years, rabbit hemorrhagic disease has been detected in feral, commercial and pet rabbits in the Comox Valley, Parksville, Nanaimo, Richmond, Delta and Vancouver.

The disease is a highly contagious and often deadly disease that affects only rabbits and does not pose a risk to people or other animals, including cats and dogs.

The virus spreads through direct contact between rabbits and indirectly through contaminated bedding, food, water, cages, clothing, footwear and vehicle tires.

There is no treatment for this disease. However, a vaccine for domestic rabbits is available in B.C.

Owners are encouraged to speak with their veterinarian about immunizing their rabbits.

For more information, visit Government of British Columbia.