Can rabbits transmit rabies (Rabies virus) to humans?

Can Rabbits Transmit Rabies to Humans?

Rabbits are extremely unlikely to transmit rabies to humans, as lagomorphs (rabbits and hares) are almost never found to be infected with rabies and have not been documented to cause human rabies cases in the United States. 1

Risk Assessment for Rabbit Exposures

Epidemiologic Evidence

• Small rodents and lagomorphs (including rabbits and hares) are almost never found to be infected with rabies and have not been known to transmit rabies to humans 1, 2
• From 1990-1996 in areas where raccoon rabies was endemic, woodchucks accounted for 93% of the 371 rabies cases among rodents reported to CDC, with rabbits not significantly represented in these statistics 1
• The CDC and ACIP guidelines consistently classify rabbits as extremely low-risk animals for rabies transmission 1, 2

Documented Exceptions

While extraordinarily rare, rabies infection in domestic rabbits has been documented:

• Seven pet rabbits and one guinea pig in New York State were confirmed with raccoon-variant rabies in 2005, requiring postexposure prophylaxis for several exposed humans 3
• Two privately owned domestic rabbits in Maryland were infected with raccoon-variant rabies in 1998, both developing acute neurologic signs 4
• In all documented cases, the rabbits were housed outdoors and had potential exposure to wild rabid animals (particularly raccoons) 3, 4

Decision Algorithm for Rabbit Bites or Exposures

When Rabies PEP is NOT Recommended

For typical pet rabbit exposures (indoor-housed rabbits with no wildlife contact), rabies postexposure prophylaxis is not warranted. 1, 2

When to Consult Public Health Authorities

• Any rabbit housed outdoors or with known contact with wildlife (especially raccoons, skunks, foxes, or bats) 3, 4
• Rabbits with wounds of unknown origin or unexplained neurologic signs 3
• All cases involving lagomorphs should prompt consultation with state or local health departments before initiating rabies PEP 1, 2

Immediate Wound Management (Required for ALL Animal Bites)

• Thoroughly wash and flush all bite wounds with soap and water for approximately 15 minutes 2
• Apply a virucidal agent such as povidone-iodine solution to the wound 5, 2
• Assess need for tetanus prophylaxis and antibiotics for bacterial infection 5

High-Risk Species for Comparison

To contextualize the negligible risk from rabbits, these animals DO require immediate rabies consideration:

Definite High-Risk Animals

• Bats: Documented rabies reservoirs in 49 continental states; PEP recommended for any physical contact when bite/scratch cannot be excluded 1, 2
• Wild terrestrial carnivores (raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes): All bites must be considered possible rabies exposures requiring immediate PEP 1, 2
• Domestic dogs and cats: Risk varies by region; animals should be quarantined for 10 days if available 2

Critical Caveats

Outdoor Housing Creates Risk

• Rabbits housed in outdoor hutches can be exposed to rabid wildlife, particularly raccoons 3, 4
• Double-cage housing is recommended when rabbits are kept outside to prevent wildlife contact 3

Quarantine Recommendations for Exposed Rabbits

• Pet rabbits with any possible contact with wild animals should be quarantined for 6 months for observation if rabies exposure is suspected 3
• There is no USDA-approved rabies vaccine for rabbits, so prevention of wildlife exposure is the only protective measure 4

When Unusual Circumstances Exist

• If a rabbit displays highly unusual aggressive behavior or unexplained neurologic signs (anorexia, paralysis, head tremors), consultation with public health authorities is warranted even though rabies remains extremely unlikely 3, 4
• Individual case evaluation should consider whether the rabbit was caged outside or permitted outdoors unsupervised 3