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Antigenicity
- Single serotype
- Related to European Brown Hare Syndrome Virus
Hosts
- Rabbits
- Hares seroconvert without disease
Pathogenesis
- High and rapid mortality (within 2 days of contraction)
- Systemic disease, including:
- Hemorrhage
- Generalized congestion, especially in the lungs and trachea
- Liver necrosis
- Clinical signs:
- Depression
- Anorexia
- Muscular tremors and incoordination
Epidemiology
- Infection of domestic rabbits occurs through contact with wild rabbits
- First described in China in 1984
- Reported in Europe since 1992, though current opinion holds a less pathogenic variant to be circulating in the wild population, affording some protection
Diagnosis
- Post-mortem lesions include hepatic necrosis and enlargement of the spleen
- Serology may be performed (ELISA and PCR)
Control
- Until 1996, RHDV was notifiable and slaughter was indicated
- Vaccination now exists and has proven effective
- Inactivated whole virus or recombinant capsid protein