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==Description==

==Description==

Myxomatosis is a highly contagious viral condition of rabbits caused by the myxoma virus and carried prinicpally by the rabbit flea,''Spilopsyllus cuniculi''. It is also transmitted by direct or indirect contact with ocular or skin discharges or by mechanical vectors. Myxomatosis is enzootic in rabbits of the genus Sylvilagus in both South and North America and in wild rabbits of the genus Oryctolagus in South America, Europe, and Australia.  

Myxomatosis is a highly contagious viral condition of rabbits caused by the myxoma virus, a member of the poxvirus group. It was first recognised in the UK in 1953 after it crossed the channel from France where it was illegally introduced in 1952. It is carried prinicpally by mosquitoes and the rabbit flea,''Spilopsyllus cuniculi'', but is also transmitted by direct or indirect contact with ocular or skin discharges or by mechanical vectors. The disease is characterised by mucinous skin lesions and nodular tumours and is associated with a high mortality rate.

 

Myxomatosis is enzootic in cottontail rabbits of the genus Sylvilagus in both South and North America and in wild rabbits of the genus Oryctolagus in South America, Europe, and Australia. All other animals are resistant to the disease. 

==Pathogenesis==

==Pathogenesis==

The clinical disease varies with the virus strain and host species. Sylvilagus species are relatively resistant, and are probably the natural host of the virus.  In this species, infection usually results in the development of skin tumours at the site of innoculation.  The tumours appear 4-8 days after exposure and persist for up to 40 days.   

The clinical disease varies with the virus strain and host species. Sylvilagus species are relatively resistant, and are probably the natural host of the virus.  In this species, infection usually results in the development of skin tumours at the site of innoculation.  The tumours appear 4-8 days after exposure and persist for up to 40 days.   

In the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), infection with a virulent virus (i.e. the South American or California strains) results in severe disease with up to a 99% case fatality rate. Initial signs include oedema of the eyelids accompanied by inflammation and oedema around the anal, genital, oral, and nasal orifices.  Oedema of the head and ears, drooping ears, and bacterial infections resulting in mucopurulent conjunctivitis and pneumonia are seen. Death (8-15 days post infection) is usually preceded by labored breathing and convulsions.Very young rabbits may succumb to generalized disease. Lepus species (hares) however are highly resistant; occasional individuals develop mild to severe generalized myxomatosis.

In the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), infection with a virulent virus (i.e. the South American or California strains) results in severe disease with up to a 99% case fatality rate. Initial signs include oedema of the eyelids accompanied by inflammation and oedema around the anal, genital, oral, and nasal orifices.  Oedema of the head and ears, drooping ears, and bacterial infections resulting in mucopurulent conjunctivitis and pneumonia are seen. Severe pyrexia is frequently reported.  Death (8-15 days post infection) is usually preceded by dyspnoea and seizures. Lepus species (hares) however are highly resistant; occasional individuals develop mild to severe generalized myxomatosis.

==Pathology==

==Pathology==

Adult rabbits of the genus Sylvilagus usually develop localized skin tumors resembling fibromas. Hares or young Sylvilagus rabbits may develop fibromatous to myxomatous nodules, however, lesions are usually mild and localized.

Adult rabbits of the genus Sylvilagus usually develop localized skin tumors resembling fibromas. Hares or young Sylvilagus rabbits may develop fibromatous to myxomatous nodules, however, lesions are usually mild and localized.

[[Category:Leporipoxviruses]][[Category:Rabbit Viruses]]

[[Category:Leporipoxviruses]][[Category:Rabbit Viruses]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_SophieIgnarski]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_SophieIgnarski]]