Is Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) Affecting Wild Rabbit Populations in Borrego Springs?
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Residents of Borrego Springs, California have reported a decline in the wild rabbit population and have raised concerns that Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) may be the cause. RHD is a highly contagious and often fatal illness that affects adult wild and domesticated rabbits of the Oryctolagus cuniculus species. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs of RHD and how residents of Borrego Springs can help researchers determine if the disease is impacting local rabbit populations. (Sample email reaching out to authorities for help included in this blog)
Signs of RHD:
- Sudden death of adult rabbits with no signs of illness
- High fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite
- Hemorrhages on the skin, nose, and eyes
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
- Blood clots in the liver and other organs
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
It is important to note that RHD can have a variable clinical presentation, and some rabbits may only show mild or no signs.
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) Impacts Hit Hard
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is a serious illness that can significantly impact wild rabbit populations. If residents of Borrego Springs have observed a decline in the wild rabbit population or have seen any of the signs of RHD in wild rabbits, it is important to reach out to the proper authorities for assistance. By working together, researchers and residents can help determine if RHD is affecting the local rabbit population and take steps to protect and conserve these important animals. It is important to remember that handling wild animals can be dangerous and should be left to trained professionals.
If you suspect RHD or any other disease in wild rabbits, contact your local wildlife or agriculture agency and they will guide you with the next steps.
Help Researchers Determine RHD:
If you have observed a decline in the wild rabbit population in Borrego Springs or have seen any of the signs of RHD in wild rabbits, it is important to reach out to the proper authorities. Researchers will be able to conduct tests on wild rabbits to determine if RHD is the cause of the decline. You can contact researchers at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Department of Food and Agriculture, or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for assistance.
Contact information
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife 909-484-0167 | AskRegion6@wildlife.ca.gov
- California Department of Food and Agriculture 916-654-0466 (Sacramento) General Information AskGovOps@govops.ca.gov
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) askusda@usda.gov
Request for Assistance in Investigating Declining Wild Rabbit Population in Borrego Springs
SAMPLE EMAIL TEMPLATE: (Change “we” to “I” if you feel more comfortable)
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number]
[Date]
[California Department of Fish and Wildlife/ California Department of Food and Agriculture/ USDA] [Address] [City, State ZIP Code]
Dear [Department Name],
We, the residents of Borrego Springs, California, are writing to express our concern about our area’s declining wild rabbit population. We have observed a significant decrease in the number of wild rabbits in Borrego Springs and the surrounding areas, including Anza Borrego State Park.
Many of us have lived in Borrego Springs for years and have seen first-hand how the wild rabbit population has been a vital part of our local ecosystem. We are concerned that this decline may be due to a disease like Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD).
We understand that RHD is a highly contagious and often fatal illness that affects adult wild and domesticated rabbits of the Oryctolagus cuniculus species. We have observed some of the signs of RHD in wild rabbits such as sudden death, high fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
We request your assistance in determining the cause of the decline in the wild rabbit population in Borrego Springs and the surrounding areas. We kindly ask that you conduct tests on wild rabbits in our area to determine if RHD is the cause of the decline.
We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to working with you to protect and conserve the wild rabbit population in Borrego Springs.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number]
cc: [Other residents or community organizations]
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