Rabbit Diseases Spread in Helsinki's Herttoniemi District

Helsinki's Herttoniemi district is experiencing an outbreak of rabbit diseases, with several dead rabbits discovered in recent weeks. The Helsinki Chief Veterinary Officer, Päivi Lahti, confirmed that reports of dead rabbits have been increasing, with observations of more than ten animals so far, all within the Herttoniemi area.

“

Every year, random reports come in from different parts of the city about dead rabbits, hares, and other animals.

Post-mortem examinations of the deceased rabbits revealed they succumbed to two serious conditions: the RHD virus and coccidiosis. The RHD virus causes hemorrhagic disease, which is highly contagious among rabbits and often fatal due to internal bleeding. Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa, with specific strains affecting different animal species; the strain found in Herttoniemi's rabbits does not transmit to other animals.

“

RHD spreads very easily if a rabbit is taken outdoors or if grass is collected from outside for food.

Both diseases pose a significant risk, particularly to pet rabbits. Lahti warned that RHD can spread easily through direct contact or even indirectly via contaminated surfaces like shoe soles. Coccidiosis, while species-specific, also spreads easily. To protect pet rabbits, owners are strongly advised to vaccinate them against the RHD virus. For coccidiosis, Lahti recommends avoiding areas where wild rabbits are known to frequent, as the parasite is often found where rabbits live. She also noted that while occasional reports of dead wild animals occur throughout the city annually, the concentration in Herttoniemi is notable.

“

Usually, these diseases are found where the rabbits are.