Application Deadline: October 26, 2020
Start Date: January 1, 2021
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is a highly contagious, highly fatal disease that has infected wild and domestic lagomorphs in 10 states and will likely spread rapidly across the United States if not contained. Continued spread of RHDV2 will adversely affect small game hunting, the commercial rabbit industry and the pet industry, as well as resulting in trophic cascades. Lack of clear regulatory authority, the size of the live rabbit trade, and the number and diversity of stakeholders involved are impeding states’ ability to respond to RHDV2.
The individual hired onto this project will use both quantitative and qualitative human dimensions methods (surveys and interviews) to:
1) determine how key stakeholders may be engaged in appropriate voluntary behaviors to prevent or contain the spread of RHDV2;
2) create a national summary identifying agency knowledge gaps;
3) identify opportunities for, and barriers to, cooperative efforts to contain RHDV2, including coordination between agencies and cooperation with industry groups.
