A highly contagious disease that kills rabbits has returned to South Whidbey.

The state Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 in rabbits in Island County. State veterinarians were called to investigate a multiple bunny mortality event at the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds in Langley, which is a hotbed for the area’s famous feral rabbits.

Tests on the dead rabbits returned positive for the disease Friday afternoon. The premises is under quarantine and has implemented biosecurity measures, the state reported.

Four years ago, the disease killed hundreds of rabbits on Whidbey Island and in Clallam County. The epidemic changed the way the state looks at the virus.

“Because of that outbreak, the virus is now considered stable-endemic, which means it already exists in the environment,” the state Department of Agriculture reported. “Because the disease now exists generally in the environment, there won’t be any additional restrictions or rules set into place with this detection.”

Last year, the Washington State Veterinarian’s Office authorized emergency use of a vaccine for the rabbit virus. The vaccine, which is now available to all Washington veterinarians, has been shown to protect against RHDV2. State guidelines do not address the possibility of putting masks on bunnies.

State Veterinarian Amber Itle urges Whidbey rabbit owners to get their bunnies vaccinated because of the extremely infectious nature of this virus. In addition, she said, make sure domestic rabbits don’t have contact with their wild cousins by elevating hutches or bringing them inside.

“Remember to observe good biosecurity practices in addition to vaccinating your bunnies. Be sure to isolate new additions for three weeks before commingling them with your colony and avoid contact of domestic and wild rabbits,” Itle said.

Contact the state at 360-902-1878 or ahealth@agr.wa.gov for more information. Anyone who finds a dead feral domestic rabbit can contact state Department of Agriculture to determine whether this carcass should be submitted for testing. Dead wild rabbits can be reported to the state department of Fish and Wildlife. Always wear disposable gloves when handling a dead animal; dispose of them when done and wash your hands. While humans and other animals can’t catch the disease, they can still spread it to other rabbits.

The rabbit outbreak has caused a stir on the island. Langley Police Chief Tavier Wasser said his department has received numerous calls from concerned citizens about dead bunnies. In addition, worried residents have posted comments on social media saying they have seen many dead rabbits in their neighborhoods. One Langley neighborhood is hosting a “bunny summit” to discuss the issue Wednesday.

Langley is famous for its large population of feral and wild rabbits, which have inspired a range of emotions among residents. The issue even gained national news coverage in 2015 when community leaders discussed ways to control the population. A proposal to bring in a falconer led to an online petition and opposition from international animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

The Main Street Association created the Bunny Daze event in honor of the little hoppers, but the festival faded away in recent years.

For more information on RHDV2, biosecurity and prevention, visit the state Department of Agriculture’s rabbit hemorrhagic disease webpage.

By David Welton A Langley bunny hangs out in the lavender.