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A highly contagious disease that kills snowshoe hares has arrived in the NWT. While it isn’t known to hurt humans, the GNWT wants help limiting its spread.
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus, or RHDV, was found in lab tests on dead snowshoe hares, the territorial government said on Wednesday.
RHDV affects various types of rabbits and hares. The GNWT said there is no risk to the public but if you handle infected animals, meat, fur, equipment or clothing – including boots – you could spread the virus to other rabbits and hares. (Pet rabbits are also at risk.)
Describing a “high volume” of reports about dead snowshoe hares in the Dehcho and South Slave regions this fall, the GNWT said it is monitoring the situation and working with experts “to better understand the extent of the outbreak and how it may impact our northern ecosystem.”
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There are plenty of northern predators that rely on hares for food. The lynx is an example, and lynx populations are considered closely tied to snowshoe hare numbers.
If you’re trapping or coming into contact with wildlife, wear gloves to handle or dress animals, the GNWT said. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward, and clean and disinfect any tools, surfaces and clothing.
If a hare looks sick or is found dead, avoid it. If you see any sick or dead wildlife, report it.
