RHD infection has been characterized as an acute fatal necrotic viral hepatitis in up to 85% adult (older than 2 months) rabbits died within 36 to 72 hours after infection.

• 兔出血热病主要引起急性致死的坏死性病毒性肝炎，2月龄以上的成兔于染病后36-72小时间即暴毙，其致死率高达85%25。