Laboratory testing has shown the presence of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus in dead snowshoe hares in the NWT for the first time.
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease is a highly contagious and fatal wildlife disease that affects rabbits and hares, including domestic rabbits.
The GNWT received reports of a large number of dead snowshoe hares in the Dehcho and South Slave regions this fall and is working with other jurisdictions to better understand this outbreak.
Residents are advised to avoid handling sick or dead wildlife, use gloves and disinfect equipment if forced to handle a carcass, and to not move hare carcasses, fur, meat, or other animal remains between locations.
Residents should also report any sick, injured, or found dead wildlife to their local Environment and Climate Change regional office.
The GNWT stresses that there is no threat to the public, as rabbit haemorrhagic disease is not known to cause illness in humans or any non-rabbit species.
