Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 poses a significant threat to domestic rabbits, with vaccination being the primary welfare protection available to owners.
Rabbits dying from RHDV2 experience rapid deterioration, seizures, hemorrhage, and death within a very short time. While death is rapid, the acute phase is distressing. The preventable nature of this welfare harm - through available, effective vaccination - makes unvaccinated rabbit deaths particularly concerning from a welfare standpoint. Owner education about RHDV2 risk and vaccination is a direct welfare intervention that rabbit welfare organizations should prioritize.