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