Rabbit Haemorrhatic Disease Virus

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