Rabbits

Some Rabbits Types

The Lion Head Rabbit
The most eye-catching feature of the Lionhead rabbit is the distinctive mane around its head giving it the look of a male lion as as the name implies. While the Lionhead has only been a recognized breed in the United States since 2014, it os steadily gaining in popularity throughout the rabbit hobby. In 2018 the Lionhead captured its first ARBA Convention Best in Show!

• Maximum weight 3.75 pounds

ARRA
American Rabbit Breeders Association

Magpie 3 Months

The Velveteen Lop Rabbit
Velveteen Lops are known for their soft velvet fur and sweet outgoing personality. This breed is not yet recognized by ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association), but it is in the process.

• Maximum weight should not exceed 6.5 pounds

NVLC
National Velveteen Lop Club

Blue 3 Months

The Mini Rex Breed
The small size, plush coat and friendly personalities of Mini Rex Rabbits make them one of the most popular rabbit breeds in the United States. They were first recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1988, and have been very popular with exhibitors ever since.

ARRA
American Rabbit Breeders Association
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Tri Love Rabbitry

Minnie 3 Months

The Holland Lop Rabbit
The purebred Holland Lop is an extraordinary breed. The most important characteristics that distinguish the Holland Lop from others are its compact, massive body, and a bold, beautiful head that is framed with short, thick ears that fall close to the cheeks from a well-defined and correctly positioned crown. The Holland Lop, in general, is a well-balanced breed with great width and depth with strong legs and heavy bone. With the added benefit of having an endearing temperament, the Holland Lop is one of the most popular breeds in the world today.

HLRSC
Holland Lop Rabbit Specialty Club

Grace 9 Weeks

The Dwarf Hotot Breed
The "Eye of the Fancy" was developed in Germany from two different strains that eventually merged to become the breed we know today. The Dwarf Hotot combines the striking markings of the Blanc de Hotot with the charm of a dwarfed breed making them easy to handle for children and a challenge to breed for the more seasoned. Recognized by the ARBA in 1983, the Dwarf Hotot enjoys a steady popularity and a loyal following

• Maximum weight 3 pounds

ARRA
American Rabbit Breeders Association
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Blossom Hopes Rabbitry

Zoey 4 Months

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease
RHD, also known as viral hemorrhagic disease, is a highly contagious and fatal disease of Lagomorphs that can be caused by two related Caliciviruses.

• Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Serotype 1 (RHDV1 or RHDVa) only affects rabbits in the genus Oryctolagus, which includes most domestic rabbits and wild European rabbits.
• Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Serotype 2 (RHDV2) affects Oryctolagus rabbits and several other species of rabbits, including wild jackrabbits and hares (Lepus), wild American cottontails (Sylvilagus); other rabbits and pikas (family Ochonotidae) may be susceptible.

RHD is endemic in most parts of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Cuba, and parts of Asia and Africa. Considered a foreign animal disease, cases caused by RHDV1 occurred in the United States in 2000, 2001, 2005, and 2010, and Canada in 2011. A newer strain, RHV2 emerged in France in 2010 and has since spread across Europe and Australia. It arrived in southwestern Canada in 2018, leading to cases in domestic rabbits in Ohio, Washington, and New York City. In March 2020 a widespread outbreak of a genetically different strain of RHDV2 emerged in wild and domestic rabbits in the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. Since May 2020 it has been spreading in southern California and many other U.S. states, killing both wild and domestic rabbits.

The incubation period for RHD usually ranges from 1 to 5 days but can be up to 9 days. It causes liver inflammation (hepatitis) and prevents the blood from clotting. Rabbits often die suddenly without showing any outward signs of illness, but may also have:

• Lethargy
• Inappetence
• Fever
• Jaundice
• Spasms or seizures
• Breathing difficulties
• Vocalizations
• Bleeding from nose, mouth or body orifices

Death is due to internal hemorrhaging and liver impairment. In the current outbreak, reported average mortality has been about 60% (range 20 to 100%). Rabbits of all ages are affected by RHDV2, while rabbits younger than 8 weeks are usually spared from RHDV1.

Can people or other animals get RHD?
No; RHD viruses are only known to affect lagomorphs of the family Leporidae (rabbits and hares). Other types of Caliciviruses have been found in people, cattle, sea lions, and cats.

Controlling the Spread of RHD
Rabbits may inhale or ingest this virus. It can persist in the environment for 4 months and is transmitted through direct contact with infected domestic or wild rabbits or indirect contact with objects (cages, feeders, grooming equipment, toys), or people and clothing contaminated by rabbit secretions or excretions. Transmission occurs after consumption of contaminated food (such as hay) and water, or exposure to rabbit products (meat, fur, fiber, skins, offal, droppings, Urine). Insects, rodents, birds, or domestic animals may become contaminated with virus and transfer it to rabbits. Dogs, coyotes, birds of prey, and other predators can spread the virus by moving infected rabbit carcasses.