Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV2) in the United States is a serious concern for every rabbit pet owner.  American Pet takes extra measures to implement these to minimize the risk of this virus being spread via our hay and hay-based products.  These measures have been implemented in addition to the extensive, high quality processes are always in place at American Pet facilities. 

Company and Farmer Education

American Pet has put together an internal company education program for employees as well as our farms to provide education about RHDV2 and its effect on native and domestic populations of rabbits.   We monitor RHDV2 reporting, information, major web links, and with the state veterinarian of the state in question to ensure a proper investigation takes place.   

Hay Quarantine  

Any American Pet hay grown and harvested in a county with a confirmed case of RHDV2 will be quarantined for a minimum of 3 months from the time of baling.  This hay will be isolated and stored in a location away from the field to minimize potential exposure to native populations of rabbits.   
 
Only after 3 months of quarantine can hay from a positive test county be shipped to American Pet where it will then go through our newly updated high standard quality control procedures to further minimize any potential spread of RHDV2.     

Additional Information     

Up-to-date information regarding positive test cases from the USDA can be found here.  Up-to-date valuable information on the disease, care, and hygiene can be found from the National House Rabbit Society here

Our Food Safety Quality & Research team monitor this data and are in communication with federal, state and NGO organizations regarding the disease on a regular basis.  To date, American Pet Diner, Inc. has not sourced in hay in the 2020 season from a county with a known positive RHDV2 case.    

We will continue to provide information through our blog and Facebook links.  As the situation evolves, we encourage all pet parents to check back regularly to stay up to date with the latest information and recommendations.    
 
Thank you for being a great pet parent and your concern for safe practices and continued vigilance as the community deals with the RHDV2 outbreak.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us