ARBA Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Policy
ARBA members, judges, registrars, transporters, and vendors residing in or traveling by motor vehicle through an area of the country that is part of an active RHD outbreak are discouraged from attending ARBA sanctioned shows in other areas or having contact with other rabbit breeders for 30 days of the last RHD confirmed positive case. Clubs are encouraged to acknowledge the potential need to cancel contracts due to RHD concerns when soliciting contractors to officiate or vend at ARBA sanctioned shows.

  • Owners who have experienced RHD infections in their herd are required to report the infection to ARBA and are ineligible to participate in and are discouraged from attending any ARBA sanctioned show/event for a period of 4 months from the last RHD-related death. These owners are strongly encouraged to avoid direct contact with other rabbit breeders / owners during this 4-month period.
  • ARBA sanctioned cavy-only specialty shows may be held provided the club’s show rules contain a specific prohibition against rabbits being on the premises of the show site during the sanctioned show. The club must also provide the following awareness in their official show catalog: “Attendees must be aware that although RHD does not infect cavies, the virus may be transmitted even without direct contact with rabbits.  Many cavy breeders also raise rabbits; therefore, robust biosecurity measures must be taken to reduce the risk of transmission of this deadly virus.”  Judges residing in or traveling by motor vehicle through states with active RHD outbreaks are discouraged from officiating, although the ARBA recognizes the contractual agreements are made with the club hosting the show.
  • Clubs are strongly encouraged to disinfect equipment prior to set up for their show. The RHD calicivirus is inactivated by sodium hypochlorite, household bleach. To prepare add one-half cup of sodium hypochlorite to one gallon of water.  Alternatively, Virkon S is effective when prepared as a 1% solution.  It is recommended that organic debris such as feces, fur, and urine be completely removed from show equipment.  Once cleaning of show equipment has been performed it is recommended to let the equipment dry in the sun.  Clubs are encouraged to not use equipment that is maintained in or traveling through an area of the country with an active RHD outbreak.  It is recommended that reasonable efforts are made to have disinfectant spray accessible during shows.
  • Show personnel, judges, and registrars are encouraged to use reasonable precautions including the use of hand sanitizer and disinfectant spray when working at a show.

PREVIOUSLY ENACTED

  • The ARBA mandates that all rabbits imported from a foreign country with a recently documented RHDV outbreak, regardless of variant or strain, in the past 60 days must be quarantined for a minimum of 30 days prior to entry in a national convention or local show.
  • Rabbits imported from another country at risk or endemic for RHDV must have documentation with the date arriving at the USA clearly listed on the supporting documentation along with verification from a licensed veterinary professional stating that the rabbits imported have been quarantined for 30 days and exhibit no signs of sickness that would suggest RHDV infection or exposure. Failure to provide these documents constitute a violation of the rules stated above. Rabbits vaccinated for RHDV and/or Myxomatosis in another country must have appropriate documentation indicating the vaccine was administered with appropriate booster, if necessary.
  • Any ARBA member traveling to a country where RHDV is endemic will be subject to increased scrutiny and/or restriction in attending local or national ARBA shows on a case-by-case basis reviewed by the ARBA Board of Directors with input from the Rabbit & Cavy Health Committee. This will be vigorously enforced should the member travel to the country during a current or emerging outbreak of the virus.

 

ARBA Show Rule, SECTION 15.(D):

(D) 1- Action taken by the ARBA Board will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis depending on the circumstances noted and in accordance with the ARBA Constitution and By-Laws

2– Please note the following recommendations:

  1. a) Exhibitors should follow ARBA recommended biosecurity guidelines.
    b) Exhibitors and show officials should wash the undercarriage and tires of all vehicles and trailers before going to and after departing a show.
    c) Exhibitors residing in a state with a confirmed case of RHDV in the past 30 days should have a health certificate (CVI) issued within fourteen (14) days of the show.
    d) Use an appropriate disinfectant that will inactivate RHDV.
    e) The ARBA club show committee has the right to refuse any entry for due cause.
    f) The ARBA recommends carrying cages be cleaned prior to going to a show. The ARBA recommends the following products: kitty litter, newspaper, puppy pads, or other inert products used for bedding.
    g) State and county officials may impose additional stricter sanctions / requirements.
    h) Show officials can designate additional requirements to attend an ARBA sanctioned show.
    i) If you are not comfortable with the provisions in 15.(D), please continue to maintain biosecurity at your residence.

Constitution, ARTICLE IV. Section 2:

Authority

Section 2. To require members to obey its mandates in all matters pertaining to the Standard of Perfection and ethics peculiar to the industry, and to inflict such punitive or monetary penalties as it may deem necessary for the disobedience of its will, provided that its members shall not be required to commit any act which would make them amenable to the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof.

In addition, action taken by the ARBA Board will be in accordance with ARBA Show Rule 70:

VIOLATIONS

SECTION 70. A violation of these official show rules and regulations shall be referred to the ARBA Board of Directors for interpretation.  If deemed necessary, disciplinary action may be taken.

Actions taken by the Board include but are not limited to, expulsions, suspensions, and fines, as deemed appropriate by the Board based on the nature of the violation(s).