Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has confirmed the presence of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) in black-tailed jackrabbits in Runnels County. The U.S. Department of Agriculture notes that Runnels County is the 35th county with a positive detection in Texas since March 2020, indicating the virus is now considered widespread.

RHDV2, a contagious viral disease, affects both domestic and wild rabbits, including hares, jackrabbits, and cottontails. While it does not affect humans, livestock, or other pets, it remains critical for pet owners to prevent their animals from consuming dead rabbit carcasses. The disease is nearly always fatal, and occurs regardless of the rabbit's age.

Rabbit owners are advised to follow biosecurity measures and consult with veterinarians about vaccinations. Visible symptoms of RHDV2 are lethargy, loss of appetite, and bleeding from the nose and eyes, though typically, infected rabbits are found deceased.

The virus can survive for extended periods on rabbit carcasses, so TPWD suggests hunters move as little biological material as possible from harvested areas and appropriately dispose of rabbit remains. Hunters bringing home rabbits for consumption are advised to discard any non-consumable parts in designated dumpsters.

TPWD is actively monitoring mortality events involving wild rabbits and hares across Texas. The public is encouraged to report any sightings of sick or dead wild rabbits to their local TPWD wildlife biologist. Further information on RHDV2 can be found on the TPWD's website.