Rabbit calicivirus (RCD) or Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is a disease which infects only rabbits. It was developed in Australia and deliberately introduced into rabbit populations there in an attempt to control rabbit infestation.

For more information about the virus' development see Rabbits in Australia.

Release in New Zealand

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In July 1997, after considering over 800 public submissions, the New Zealand Ministry of Health decided not to allow 'RCD' to be imported into New Zealand to control rabbit populations. This was backed up in an early August review of the decision by the Director-General of Agriculture. By late August, it was confirmed that RCD/RHD had been deliberately introduced to the Cromwell area of the South Island.

An unsuccessful attempt was made by New Zealand officials to control the spread of the disease. It was, however, being intentionally spread, and several farmers (notably in the Mackenzie Basin area) admitted to processing rabbits that had died from the disease in kitchen blenders for further spreading.

Effects of the disease

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The disease targets the Hepatocytes of infected animals, leading to Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The incubation period is 24 to 48 hours and death occurs 6 to 24 hours from the start of fever.

Infectious diseases | Veterinary medicine