WYOMING — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is asking Wyomingites to keep an eye out for dead rabbits in their yards, rural property and other outdoor areas to assist the agency’s surveillance of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2).
RHDV2 is a fatal disease of rabbits and hares. An estimated 35 to 50% of infected wild rabbits succumb to the disease. The disease is not detectable before it kills the animal. RHDV2 does not pose a threat to humans.
“Any rabbit could become infected with the disease, it could be a cottontail living in your yard or the one you see while hiking,” WGFD Wildlife Disease Specialist Jessica Jennings-Gaines said in the announcement. “Please report any dead rabbits you find.”
According to WGFD, the disease was first detected in Wyoming in December 2020 and has been identified in 20 rabbits across eight counties in 2024. Testing rabbits is key to monitoring the disease spread.
Jennings-Gaines says that all of Wyoming’s lagomorphs are potentially susceptible — that includes game and non-game species like cottontail rabbits, jack rabbits, pygmy rabbits and domestic rabbits. Domestic pets and livestock are not at risk from the disease. Rabbits can also carry other diseases such as tularemia and plague.
The public is advised not to touch or pick up any dead wild rabbits. Rather, note the location and report it to the WGFD by calling the Game and Fish Wildlife Health Lab at 307-745-5865 or the nearest regional office. Reports can also be made online. Game and Fish personnel will evaluate the situation, and make plans to collect the rabbit if testing is needed.
