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Asin J, Calvete C, Uzal FA, Crossley BM, Duarte MD, Henderson EE, Abade dos Santos F. Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2, 2010-2023: a review of global detections and affected species. J Vet Diagn Invest 2024; 36:617-637. [PMID: 39344909 PMCID: PMC11457751 DOI: 10.1177/10406387241260281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2/genotype GI.2 (RHDV2/GI.2; Caliciviridae, Lagovirus) causes a highly contagious disease with hepatic necrosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation in several Leporidae species. RHDV2 was first detected in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in France in 2010 and has since spread widely. We gather here data on viral detections reported in various countries and affected species, and discuss pathology, genetic differences, and novel diagnostic aspects. RHDV2 has been detected almost globally, with cases reported in Europe, Africa, Oceania, Asia, and North America as of 2023. Since 2020, large scale outbreaks have occurred in the United States and Mexico and, at the same time, cases have been reported for the first time in previously unaffected countries, such as China, Japan, Singapore, and South Africa, among others. Detections have been notified in domestic and wild European rabbits, hares and jackrabbits (Lepus spp.), several species of cottontail and brush rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.), pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis), and red rock rabbits (Pronolagus spp.). RHDV2 has also been detected in a few non-lagomorph species. Detection of RHDV2 causing RHD in Sylvilagus spp. and Leporidae species other than those in the genera Oryctolagus and Lepus is very novel. The global spread of this fast-evolving RNA virus into previously unexploited geographic areas increases the likelihood of host range expansion as new species are exposed; animals may also be infected by nonpathogenic caliciviruses that are disseminated by almost all species, and with which genetic recombination may occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Asin
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California–Davis, San Bernardino, CA, USA
| | - Carlos Calvete
- Animal Science Department, Agri-Food Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), Agri-Food Institute of Aragón (IA2), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Francisco A. Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California–Davis, San Bernardino, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Eileen E. Henderson
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California–Davis, San Bernardino, CA, USA
| | - Fábio Abade dos Santos
- National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research (INIAV), Oeiras, Portugal
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusofona University, Lisboa, Portugal
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Tokarz-Deptuła B, Kulus J, Baraniecki Ł, Stosik M, Deptuła W. Characterisation of Lagovirus europaeus GI-RHDVs (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Viruses) in Terms of Their Pathogenicity and Immunogenicity. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5342. [PMID: 38791380 PMCID: PMC11120834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease viruses (RHDV) belong to the family Caliciviridae, genus Lagovirus europaeus, genogroup GI, comprising four genotypes GI.1-GI.4, of which the genotypes GI.1 and GI.2 are pathogenic RHD viruses, while the genotypes GI.3 and GI.4 are non-pathogenic RCV (Rabbit calicivirus) viruses. Among the pathogenic genotypes GI.1 and GI.2 of RHD viruses, an antigenic variant of RHDV, named RHDVa-now GI.1a-RHDVa, was distinguished in 1996; and in 2010, a variant of RHDV-named RHDVb, later RHDV2 and now GI.2-RHDV2/b-was described; and recombinants of these viruses were registered. Pathogenic viruses of the genotype GI.1 were the cause of a disease described in 1984 in China in domestic (Oryctolagus (O.) cuniculus domesticus) and wild (O. cuniculus) rabbits, characterised by a very rapid course and a mortality rate of 90-100%, which spread in countries all over the world and which has been defined since 1989 as rabbit haemorrhagic disease. It is now accepted that GI.1-RHDV, including GI.1a-RHDVa, cause the predetermined primary haemorrhagic disease in domestic and wild rabbits, while GI.2-RHDV2/b cause it not only in rabbits, including domestic rabbits' young up to 4 weeks and rabbits immunised with rabbit haemorrhagic disease vaccine, but also in five various species of wild rabbits and seven different species of hares, as well as wild ruminants: mountain muskoxen and European badger. Among these viruses, haemagglutination-positive, doubtful and harmful viruses have been recorded and described and have been shown to form phylogenogroups, immunotypes, haematotypes and pathotypes, which, together with traits that alter and expand their infectious spectrum (rabbit, hare, wild ruminant, badger and various rabbit and hare species), are the determinants of their pathogenicity (infectivity) and immunogenicity and thus shape their virulence. These relationships are the aim of our consideration in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jakub Kulus
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (J.K.); (W.D.)
| | - Łukasz Baraniecki
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Michał Stosik
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Gora, 65-516 Zielona Gora, Poland;
| | - Wiesław Deptuła
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (J.K.); (W.D.)
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Yu J, Li Y, Xiao L, Xie J, Guo Z, Ye Y, Lin Y, Cao Y, Wu X, Mao C, Li X, Pan M, Ye J, Zhou L, Huang J, Yang J, Wei Y, Zhang X, Zhang B, Kang R. Neglected Spleen Transcriptional Profile Reveals Inflammatory Disorder Conferred by Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 Infection. Viruses 2024; 16:495. [PMID: 38675838 PMCID: PMC11054208 DOI: 10.3390/v16040495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is an acute fatal disease caused by the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV). Since the first outbreaks of type 2 RHDV (RHDV2) in April 2020 in China, the persistence of this virus in the rabbit population has caused substantial economic losses in rabbit husbandry. Previous failures in preventing RHDV2 prompted us to further investigate the immune mechanisms underlying the virus's pathogenicity, particularly concerning the spleen, a vital component of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). For this, a previous RHDV2 isolate, CHN/SC2020, was utilized to challenge naive adult rabbits. Then, the splenic transcriptome was determined by RNA-Seq. This study showed that the infected adult rabbits had 3148 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were associated with disease, signal transduction, cellular processes, and cytokine signaling categories. Of these, 100 upregulated DEGs were involved in inflammatory factors such as IL1α, IL-6, and IL-8. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction signaling pathway, which may play a vital role in CHN/SC2020 infection. At the same time, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines were significantly increased in the spleen at the late stages of infection. These findings suggested that RHDV2 (CHN/SC2020) might induce dysregulation of the cytokine network and compromise splenic immunity against viral infection, which expanded our understanding of RHDV2 pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifeng Yu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu 610066, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (J.X.); (Z.G.); (Y.Y.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.W.); (C.M.); (X.L.); (M.P.); (J.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Yan Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Y.L.); (L.Z.); (J.H.); (B.Z.)
| | - Lu Xiao
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu 610066, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (J.X.); (Z.G.); (Y.Y.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.W.); (C.M.); (X.L.); (M.P.); (J.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Jing Xie
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu 610066, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (J.X.); (Z.G.); (Y.Y.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.W.); (C.M.); (X.L.); (M.P.); (J.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Zhiqiang Guo
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu 610066, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (J.X.); (Z.G.); (Y.Y.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.W.); (C.M.); (X.L.); (M.P.); (J.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Yonggang Ye
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu 610066, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (J.X.); (Z.G.); (Y.Y.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.W.); (C.M.); (X.L.); (M.P.); (J.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Yi Lin
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu 610066, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (J.X.); (Z.G.); (Y.Y.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.W.); (C.M.); (X.L.); (M.P.); (J.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Ye Cao
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu 610066, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (J.X.); (Z.G.); (Y.Y.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.W.); (C.M.); (X.L.); (M.P.); (J.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xuejing Wu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu 610066, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (J.X.); (Z.G.); (Y.Y.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.W.); (C.M.); (X.L.); (M.P.); (J.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Congjian Mao
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu 610066, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (J.X.); (Z.G.); (Y.Y.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.W.); (C.M.); (X.L.); (M.P.); (J.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xingyu Li
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu 610066, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (J.X.); (Z.G.); (Y.Y.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.W.); (C.M.); (X.L.); (M.P.); (J.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Meng Pan
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu 610066, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (J.X.); (Z.G.); (Y.Y.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.W.); (C.M.); (X.L.); (M.P.); (J.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Jianqiang Ye
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu 610066, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (J.X.); (Z.G.); (Y.Y.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.W.); (C.M.); (X.L.); (M.P.); (J.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Long Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Y.L.); (L.Z.); (J.H.); (B.Z.)
| | - Jian Huang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Y.L.); (L.Z.); (J.H.); (B.Z.)
| | - Junyan Yang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu 610066, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (J.X.); (Z.G.); (Y.Y.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.W.); (C.M.); (X.L.); (M.P.); (J.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Yong Wei
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu 610066, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (J.X.); (Z.G.); (Y.Y.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.W.); (C.M.); (X.L.); (M.P.); (J.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xianhui Zhang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu 610066, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (J.X.); (Z.G.); (Y.Y.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.W.); (C.M.); (X.L.); (M.P.); (J.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Bin Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Y.L.); (L.Z.); (J.H.); (B.Z.)
| | - Runmin Kang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu 610066, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (J.X.); (Z.G.); (Y.Y.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.W.); (C.M.); (X.L.); (M.P.); (J.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.W.); (X.Z.)
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Dorji T, Jayasingha Ellakkala Appuhamilage RMJ, Bird PL, Huang N, O’Connor TW, Patel KK, Strive T, Taggart PL. Optimising the Delivery of RHDV to Rabbits for Biocontrol: An Experimental Evaluation of Two Novel Methods of Virus Delivery. Viruses 2023; 15:1814. [PMID: 37766220 PMCID: PMC10536075 DOI: 10.3390/v15091814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is established as a landscape-scale biocontrol that assists the management of invasive European rabbits and their impacts in both Australia and New Zealand. In addition to this, it is also available to land managers to augment rabbit control efforts at a local scale. However, current methods of deploying RHDV to rabbits that rely on the consumption of virus-treated baits can be problematic as rabbits are reluctant to consume bait when there is abundant, green, protein-rich feed available. We ran a suite of interrupted time-series experiments to compare the duration of infectivity of two conventional (carrot and oat baits) and two novel (meat bait and soil burrow spray) methods of deploying RHDV to rabbits. All methods effectively killed exposed rabbits. Soil burrow spray and carrot baits resulted in infection and mortality out to 5 days post their deployment in the field, and meat baits caused infection out to 10 days post their deployment. In contrast, oat baits continued to infect and kill exposed rabbits out to 20 days post deployment. Molecular assays demonstrated high viral loads in deployed baits beyond the duration for which they were infectious or lethal to rabbits. Based on our results, we suggest that the drying of meat baits may create a barrier to effective transmission of RHDV by adult flies within 10 days. We therefore hypothesise that fly larvae production and development on infected tissues is critical to prolonged viral transmission from meat baits, and similarly from carcasses of RHDV mortalities, via mechanical fly vectors. Our study demonstrates that meat baits and soil spray could provide additional virus deployment options that remove the need for rabbits to consume baits at times when they are reluctant to do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tshewang Dorji
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia; (T.D.); (R.M.J.J.E.A.); (K.K.P.)
- School of Food, Agriculture and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia
| | | | - Peter L. Bird
- Waite Conservation Reserve, University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia;
| | - Nina Huang
- Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (N.H.); (T.S.)
| | - Tiffany W. O’Connor
- Virology Laboratory, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Department of Primary Industries NSW, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia
| | - Kandarp K. Patel
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia; (T.D.); (R.M.J.J.E.A.); (K.K.P.)
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Tanja Strive
- Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (N.H.); (T.S.)
| | - Patrick L. Taggart
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Department of Primary Industries NSW, Queanbeyan, NSW 2620, Australia
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
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Hukowska-Szematowicz B, Ostrycharz E, Dudzińska W, Roszkowska P, Siennicka A, Wojciechowska-Koszko I. Digital PCR (dPCR) Quantification of miR-155-5p as a Potential Candidate for a Tissue Biomarker of Inflammation in Rabbits Infected with Lagovirus europaeus/Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV). Viruses 2023; 15:1578. [PMID: 37515264 PMCID: PMC10386091 DOI: 10.3390/v15071578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are a group of small, 17-25 nucleotide, non-coding RNA sequences that, in their mature form, regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. They participate in many physiological and pathological processes in both humans and animals. One such process is viral infection, in which miR-155 participates in innate and adaptive immune responses to a broad range of inflammatory mediators. Recently, the study of microRNA has become an interesting field of research as a potential candidate for biomarkers for various processes and disease. To use miRNAs as potential biomarkers of inflammation in viral diseases of animals and humans, it is necessary to improve their detection and quantification. In a previous study, using reverse transcription real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), we showed that the expression of ocu-miR-155-5p in liver tissue was significantly higher in rabbits infected with Lagovirus europaeus/Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) compared to healthy rabbits. The results indicated a role for ocu-miR-155-5p in Lagovirus europaeus/RHDV infection and reflected hepatitis and the impairment/dysfunction of this organ during RHD. MiR-155-5p was, therefore, hypothesized as a potential candidate for a tissue biomarker of inflammation and examined in tissues in Lagovirus europaeus/RHDV infection by dPCR. The objective of the study is the absolute quantification of ocu-miR-155-5p in four tissues (liver, lung, kidney, and spleen) of rabbits infected with Lagovirus europaeus/RHDV by digital PCR, a robust technique for the precise and direct quantification of small amounts of nucleic acids, including miRNAs, without standard curves and external references. The average copy number/µL (copies/µL) of ocu-miRNA-155-5p in rabbits infected with Lagovirus europaeus GI.1a/Rossi in the liver tissue was 12.26 ± 0.14, that in the lung tissue was 48.90 ± 9.23, that in the kidney tissue was 16.92 ± 2.89, and that in the spleen was 25.10 ± 0.90. In contrast, in the tissues of healthy control rabbits, the average number of copies/µL of ocu-miRNA-155-5p was 5.07 ± 1.10 for the liver, 23.52 ± 2.77 for lungs, 8.10 ± 0.86 for kidneys, and 42.12 ± 3.68 for the spleen. The increased expression of ocu-miRNA-155-5p in infected rabbits was demonstrated in the liver (a fold-change of 2.4, p-value = 0.0003), lung (a fold-change of 2.1, p-value = 0.03), and kidneys (a fold-change of 2.1, p-value = 0.01), with a decrease in the spleen (a fold-change of 0.6, p-value = 0.002). In the study of Lagovirus europaeus/RHDV infection and in the context of viral infections, this is the first report that shows the potential use of dPCR for the sensitive and absolute quantification of microRNA-155-5p in tissues during viral infection. We think miR-155-5p may be a potential candidate for a tissue biomarker of inflammation with Lagovirus europaeus/RHDV infection. Our report presents a new path in discovering potential candidates for the tissue biomarkers of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Hukowska-Szematowicz
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Center, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ewa Ostrycharz
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Center, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
- Doctoral School, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Wioleta Dudzińska
- Department of Functional Diagnostics and Physical Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 54, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Paulina Roszkowska
- Department of Diagnostic Immunology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Aldona Siennicka
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Iwona Wojciechowska-Koszko
- Department of Diagnostic Immunology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
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Pinto FF, Abrantes J, Ferreira PG, Nóbrega M, Marcos R. Case series: Four fatal rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus infections in urban pet rabbits. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1144227. [PMID: 37035809 PMCID: PMC10073570 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1144227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Four pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus cuniculus) diagnosed with a fatal infection by rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV GI.2) were identified in the same week and further investigated. All animals lived in an urban environment (Lisbon, Portugal), were between 8 months and 2 years old and none had been vaccinated against RHDV2 (GI.2). Three animals arrived at the clinic and died shortly afterward and it was only possible to collect material for RT-qPCR (RHDV) test. These rabbits tested positive for RHDV2, with high viral loads. In the fourth case, additional clinical and post-mortem gross and histological evaluations were performed. This 8 month old intact female indoor pet rabbit was presented with apathy, tachypnea and tachycardia. Radiographic projections revealed no clinical revealed no clinical abnormalities. Serum biochemistry revealed a significant increase in AST and ALT with a small hypoglycemia. Abdominal ultrasound revealed an acute hepatitis. Despite hospitalization support, after 30 h of admission, the rabbit lost consciousness and developed anorexia and pyrexia in the last minutes before death. Post-mortem analysis and molecular testing by RT-qPCR, confirmed the diagnosis of RHDV2 (GI.2) infection also with high viral load. In conclusion, this paper reports a case series that demonstrates the severe infectious ability and the high mortality associated with RHDV even in rabbits from urban environments. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of always considering rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) as a differential diagnosis in pet rabbits with non-specific clinical signs, and should warn veterinarians that pet rabbits living indoors can also be infected with a fatal outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Fontes Pinto
- HIPRA, Malveira, Portugal
- UMIB—Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CIBIO—Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Filipe Fontes Pinto ;
| | - Joana Abrantes
- CIBIO—Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Gomes Ferreira
- UMIB—Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ITR—Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Ricardo Marcos
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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The pathogenicity comparison of Lagovirus europaeus GI.1 and GI.2 strains in China by using relative quantitative assay. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20518. [PMID: 36443356 PMCID: PMC9705280 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25118-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lagovirus europaeus GI.1 belongs to Lagovirus in the Caliciviridae family. GI.1 causes an acute, septic, and highly lethal disease in rabbits. Lagovirus europaeus GI.2, a new variant of GI.1, has caused explosive mortality in rabbits of all ages in Sichuan Province, China. To explore the differences in pathogenicity of rabbits infected with GI.1/GI.2, we investigated the virulence and disease progression of a naturally occurring GI.1/GI.2 in 4-week-old, 13-week-old, and 25-week-old New Zealand White laboratory rabbits after GI.1/GI.2 infection. Objective measures of disease progression were recorded using continuous body-temperature monitoring. We observed the kittens were infected with GI.2 during the most urgent course of the disease, and GI.1 was not lethal to kittens. We found that the target organ of both GI.1 and GI.2 was the liver, but the disease course of the two viruses was differed. Our study enriches the research on the pathogenicity of GI.1 and GI.2 under the same conditions.
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Patel KK, Strive T, Hall RN, Mutze G, Page B, Korcz M, Booth-Remmers M, Smith IL, Huang DN, Kovaliski J, Jayasinghe Ellakkala Appuhamilage RMJ, Taggart PL. Cross-protection, infection, and case fatality rates in wild European rabbits experimentally challenged with different rabbit haemorrhagic disease viruses. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e1959-e1971. [PMID: 35315981 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is now the dominant calicivirus circulating in wild rabbit populations in Australia. This study compared the infection and case fatality rates of RHDV2 and two RHDVs in wild rabbits, as well as their ability to overcome immunity to the respective other strains. Wild rabbits were allocated to groups either blindly or based on prescreening for RHDV/RHDV2 antibodies at capture. Rabbits were monitored regularly until their death or humane killing at 7 days post infection. Liver and eyeball samples were collected for lagovirus testing and aging rabbits, respectively. At capture, rabbits showed high seroprevalence to RHDV2 but not to RHDV. In RHDV/RHDV2 seronegative rabbits at capture, infection rates were highest in those inoculated with RHDV2 (81.8%, 18/22), followed by K5 (53.8%, 7/13) and CZECH (40.0%, 2/5), but these differences were not statistically significant. In rabbits with previous exposure to RHDV2 at capture, infection rates were highest when inoculated with K5 (59.6%, 31/52) followed by CZECH (46.0%, 23/50), with infection rates higher in younger rabbits for both viruses. In RHDV/RHDV2 seronegative rabbits at capture, case fatality rates were highest for those inoculated with K5 (71.4%), followed by RHDV2 (50.0%) and CZECH (50.0%). In rabbits with previous exposure to RHDV2 at capture, case fatality rates were highest in rabbits inoculated with K5 (12.9%) followed by CZECH (8.7%), with no case fatalities following RHDV2 inoculation. Case fatality rates did not differ significantly between inoculums in either serostatus group at capture. Based on multivariable modelling, time to death post RHDV inoculation increased in rabbits with recent RHDV2 exposure compared to seronegative rabbits and with age. The results suggest that RHDV2 may cause higher mortalities than other variants in seronegative rabbit populations but that K5 may be more effective in reducing rabbit populations in an RHDV2-dominant landscape. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kandarp K Patel
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, South Australia, 5064, Australia.,School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia.,Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Australian Capital Territory, Bruce, 2617, Australia
| | - Tanja Strive
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Australian Capital Territory, Bruce, 2617, Australia.,Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Robyn N Hall
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Australian Capital Territory, Bruce, 2617, Australia.,Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Greg Mutze
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, South Australia, 5064, Australia
| | - Bradley Page
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, South Australia, 5064, Australia.,Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Australian Capital Territory, Bruce, 2617, Australia
| | - Matthew Korcz
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, South Australia, 5064, Australia
| | - Mahalia Booth-Remmers
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, South Australia, 5064, Australia.,Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Subiaco, Western Australia, 6008, Australia
| | - Ina L Smith
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Australian Capital Territory, Bruce, 2617, Australia
| | - D Nina Huang
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Australian Capital Territory, Bruce, 2617, Australia.,Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - John Kovaliski
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, South Australia, 5064, Australia.,Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Australian Capital Territory, Bruce, 2617, Australia
| | - Ridma M J Jayasinghe Ellakkala Appuhamilage
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, South Australia, 5064, Australia.,Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Australian Capital Territory, Bruce, 2617, Australia
| | - Patrick L Taggart
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia.,Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Australian Capital Territory, Bruce, 2617, Australia.,Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Department of Primary Industries NSW, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 2620, Australia
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9
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Calvete C, Delacour S, Oropeza-Velasquez RV, Estrada R, Sarto MP, Iguacel L, Lucientes J, Calvo JH. Experimental Study of the Mechanical Transmission of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV2/b) by Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) and Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:350-354. [PMID: 34447999 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is caused by a lagovirus mainly affecting European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), although other European and North American lagomorph species are also susceptible to fatal infection by the new viral variant RHDV2/b. In the present work, direct mechanical transmission of the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV2/b variant) by the hematophagous Diptera Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) and the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) (Diptera: Psychodidae) was tested. For each species, six and three laboratory rabbits were exposed to bites of dipterous females partially fed on RHDV2/b viral suspension 2 h and 24 h prior to exposure, respectively. The rabbits were then monitored for clinical changes and mortality for 35 d, and seroconversion was assessed by indirect ELISA. No rabbit died or showed clinical signs of disease, and seroconversion was recorded in two rabbits challenged with P. papatasi females fed the viral suspension 2 h prior to exposure. The number of RHDV2/b RNA copies/female was higher in Ae. albopictus than in P. papatasi but the decrease over time of RNA load in Ae. albopictus was greater than that in P. papatasi. The results of this study suggest the inability of Ae. albopictus to serve as a direct mechanical vector of RHDV2/b, but sand flies could play a role in the local transmission of RHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Calvete
- Animal Production and Health Unit, Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Agrifood Institute of Aragon - IA2 (CITA-University of Zaragoza), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - S Delacour
- Agrifood Institute of Aragon - IA2 (CITA-University of Zaragoza), Zaragoza, Spain
- Animal Pathology Department, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - R Estrada
- Agrifood Institute of Aragon - IA2 (CITA-University of Zaragoza), Zaragoza, Spain
- Animal Pathology Department, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - M P Sarto
- Animal Production and Health Unit, Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - L Iguacel
- Animal Production and Health Unit, Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - J Lucientes
- Agrifood Institute of Aragon - IA2 (CITA-University of Zaragoza), Zaragoza, Spain
- Animal Pathology Department, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - J H Calvo
- Animal Production and Health Unit, Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Agrifood Institute of Aragon - IA2 (CITA-University of Zaragoza), Zaragoza, Spain
- ARAID, Zaragoza, Spain
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10
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Chen M, Fan Z, Hu B, Song Y, Wei H, Qiu R, Zhu W, Xu W, Wang F. Pathogenicity of the newly emerged Lagovirus europaeus GI.2 strain in China in experimentally infected rabbits. Vet Microbiol 2021; 265:109311. [PMID: 34965497 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In April 2020, rabbit hemorrhagic virus type 2 (Lagovirus europaeus GI.2), which causes highly infectious fatal rabbit hemorrhagic disease, was emerged in China. The phylogenetic analyses of the complete genome sequence of GI.2 showed that it belonged to the non-recombinant GI.3/GI.2 genotype. However, the pathogenicity of this GI.2 strain differed from that of early typical GI.2 strains in Europe. To prevent the spread of the new strain in China, its pathogenicity urgently needs to be studied. Thus, viral shedding and distribution as well as clinical symptoms, histopathological changes, and serum cytokines were studied in experimentally GI.2/SC2020-infected rabbit adults and kits. The kit group showed a shorter survival time after the challenge than the adult group did. The mortality rate was higher in the kits (80 %) than in the adults (30 %). Viral RNA could be detected in both nasal and fecal swabs, and the main dissemination route appeared to be the fecal route. Viral RNA rapidly increased in the blood of the adults and kits at 6 h post-infection, indicating that blood viral load testing can be used for early diagnosis. The most affected organs were the liver and spleen, and the lesions were more severe in the kits than in the adults. The liver contained the highest viral RNA levels. Moreover, serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were increased in the infected rabbits. In conclusion, our findings will help to understand the evolutionary trends and pathogenic characteristics of GI.2 strains in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Chen
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiyu Fan
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing, China
| | - Bo Hu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanhua Song
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing, China
| | - Houjun Wei
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing, China
| | - Rulong Qiu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing, China
| | - Weifeng Zhu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing, China
| | - Weizhong Xu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing, China.
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11
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Reactivity of selected markers of innate and adaptive immunity in rabbits experimentally infected with antigenic variants of RHD (Lagovirus europaeus/GI.1a). Vet Res Commun 2021; 46:233-242. [PMID: 34713305 PMCID: PMC8791865 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-021-09851-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Lagovirus europaeus/GI.1 causes a fatal viral condition in rabbits characterized by acute viral hepatitis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Due to rapid viral and environmental changes variants (Lagovirus europaeus/GI.1a and GI.2) have appeared and few immunological studies were performed. The aim of the study was to determine innate and adaptive immunity parameters in rabbits infected with six Lagovirus europeus/GI.1a viruses. To achieve the goal several methods were used, i.e. cytometry, microscopy, biochemical and cytochemical tests, spectrophotometry. The results show that three immunotypes exists among the studied strains and they differ in innate (mainly) and adaptive immunity, partly depending on hemagglutination. The peak of changes is 24 h post infection in phagocytosis markers of polymorphonuclear cells and CD8+ T cells. Lagovirus europaeus/GI.1a strains differ from Lagovirus europaeus/GI.1 in terms of immunological response based on our previous work concerning the same parameters in immunological response against this disease.
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12
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Spiri AM, Riond B, Stirn M, Novacco M, Meli ML, Boretti FS, Herbert I, Hosie MJ, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Modified-Live Feline Calicivirus Vaccination Reduces Viral RNA Loads, Duration of RNAemia, and the Severity of Clinical Signs after Heterologous Feline Calicivirus Challenge. Viruses 2021; 13:1505. [PMID: 34452370 PMCID: PMC8402717 DOI: 10.3390/v13081505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common cat virus causing clinical signs such as oral ulcerations, fever, reduced general condition, pneumonia, limping and occasionally virulent-systemic disease. Efficacious FCV vaccines protect against severe disease but not against infection. FCV is a highly mutagenic RNA virus whose high genetic diversity poses a challenge in vaccine design. The use of only one modified-live FCV strain over several decades might have driven the viral evolution towards more vaccine-resistant variants. The present study investigated the clinical signs, duration, and amount of FCV shedding, RNAemia, haematological changes and acute phase protein reaction in SPF cats after subcutaneous modified-live single strain FCV vaccination or placebo injection and two subsequent oronasal heterologous FCV challenge infections with two different field strains. Neither clinical signs nor FCV shedding from the oropharynx and FCV RNAemia were detected after vaccination. After the first experimental infection, vaccinated cats had significantly lower clinical scores, less increased body temperature and lower acute phase protein levels than control cats. The viral RNA loads from the oropharynx and duration and amount of RNAemia were significantly lower in the vaccinated animals. No clinical signs were observed in any of the cats after the second experimental infection. In conclusion, FCV vaccination was beneficial for protecting cats from severe clinical signs, reducing viral loads and inflammation after FCV challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M. Spiri
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (B.R.); (M.S.); (M.N.); (M.L.M.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Barbara Riond
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (B.R.); (M.S.); (M.N.); (M.L.M.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Martina Stirn
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (B.R.); (M.S.); (M.N.); (M.L.M.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Marilisa Novacco
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (B.R.); (M.S.); (M.N.); (M.L.M.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (B.R.); (M.S.); (M.N.); (M.L.M.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Felicitas S. Boretti
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Imogen Herbert
- Medical Research Council-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (I.H.); (M.J.H.)
| | - Margaret J. Hosie
- Medical Research Council-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (I.H.); (M.J.H.)
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (B.R.); (M.S.); (M.N.); (M.L.M.); (R.H.-L.)
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13
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Huneau-Salaün A, Boucher S, Fontaine J, Le Normand B, Lopez S, Maurice T, Nouvel L, Bruchec A, Coton J, Martin G, Le Gall-Reculé G, Le Bouquin S. Retrospective studies on rabbit haemorrhagic disease outbreaks caused by RHDV GI.2 virus on farms in France from 2013 to 2018. WORLD RABBIT SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.4995/wrs.2021.12800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is a critical health threat to the rabbit industry in Europe. In 2018, the French rabbit industry adopted a voluntary control plan against this disease. In this context, two epidemiological studies were conducted on RHD outbreaks that occurred between 2013 and 2018 in France. The objectives were to describe the spread of RHD due to the new genotype RHDV GI.2 (rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus GI.2) and to identify rearing factors influencing the occurrence of the disease in order to guide the prevention measures recommended in the control plan. An analysis of cases on 295 farms between 2013 and 2017 showed that 32% of farms were affected at least once; the incidence of the disease increased in 2016-2017 compared to 2013-2015. Farms already affected in 2013-2015 had a higher risk of being infected in 2016-2017 than those that remained unaffected until 2015 (Relative Risk and 95% Confident Interval 1.7 [1.1-2.7]). A case-control study carried out between 2016 and 2018 on 37 outbreaks and 32 control farms revealed variability in biosecurity and decontamination practices between farms. The risk of being infected tends to be linked to these practices, but certain structural factors (e.g. the manure disposal system, transfer of rabbits at weaning) could also influence the risk of virus introduction into farms. In the context of a limited vaccination coverage of the farms (only females are vaccinated), these hypotheses will be studied further, using information from the RHD outbreak monitoring system implemented at the same time as the control plan in 2018.
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14
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Hall RN, King T, O’Connor T, Read AJ, Arrow J, Trought K, Duckworth J, Piper M, Strive T. Age and Infectious Dose Significantly Affect Disease Progression after RHDV2 Infection in Naïve Domestic Rabbits. Viruses 2021; 13:1184. [PMID: 34205750 PMCID: PMC8234499 DOI: 10.3390/v13061184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2 or GI.2, referring to any virus with lagovirus GI.2 structural genes) is a recently emerged calicivirus that causes generalised hepatic necrosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation leading to death in susceptible lagomorphs (rabbits and hares). Previous studies investigating the virulence of RHDV2 have reported conflicting results, with case fatality rates ranging from 0% to 100% even within a single study. Lagoviruses are of particular importance in Australia and New Zealand where they are used as biocontrol agents to manage wild rabbit populations, which threaten over 300 native species and result in economic impacts in excess of $200 million AUD annually to Australian agricultural industries. It is critically important that any pest control method is both highly effective (i.e., virulent, in the context of viral biocontrols) and has minimal animal welfare impacts. To determine whether RHDV2 might be a suitable candidate biocontrol agent, we investigated the virulence and disease progression of a naturally occurring Australian recombinant RHDV2 in both 5-week-old and 11-week-old New Zealand White laboratory rabbits after either high or low dose oral infection. Objective measures of disease progression were recorded through continuous body temperature monitoring collars, continuous activity monitors, and twice daily observations. We observed a 100% case fatality rate in both infected kittens and adult rabbits after either high dose or low dose infection. Clinical signs of disease, such as pyrexia, weight loss, and reduced activity, were evident in the late stages of infection. Clinical disease, i.e., welfare impacts, were limited to the period after the onset of pyrexia, lasting on average 12 h and increasing in severity as disease progressed. These findings confirm the high virulence of this RHDV2 variant in naïve rabbits. While age and infectious dose significantly affected disease progression, the case fatality rate was consistently 100% under all conditions tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn N. Hall
- Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (T.K.); (T.S.)
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Tegan King
- Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (T.K.); (T.S.)
| | - Tiffany O’Connor
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia; tiffany.o' (T.O.); (A.J.R.)
| | - Andrew J. Read
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia; tiffany.o' (T.O.); (A.J.R.)
| | - Jane Arrow
- Wildlife Ecology and Management, Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Lincoln 7608, New Zealand; (J.A.); (K.T.); (J.D.)
| | - Katherine Trought
- Wildlife Ecology and Management, Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Lincoln 7608, New Zealand; (J.A.); (K.T.); (J.D.)
| | - Janine Duckworth
- Wildlife Ecology and Management, Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Lincoln 7608, New Zealand; (J.A.); (K.T.); (J.D.)
| | - Melissa Piper
- Agriculture & Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia;
| | - Tanja Strive
- Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (T.K.); (T.S.)
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
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15
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Calvete C, Sarto MP, Iguacel L, Calvo JH. Infectivity of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus excreted in rabbit faecal pellets. Vet Microbiol 2021; 257:109079. [PMID: 33930699 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is caused by a lagovirus affecting European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Viral RNA is detected in tissues or faeces of convalescent rabbits, suggesting persistent infections; however, this RNA has not been shown to be related to infective viruses to date. In the present work, seven laboratory rabbits were challenged with the RHDV2/b virus variant. Viral RNA was individually detected by duplex qPCR in faeces collected for four weeks after infection, and the infective capacity of viral RNA excreted in the faeces of surviving rabbits was tested by challenging new rabbits with faecal inocula. As results, viral RNA was detected in faeces until the end of the assay. Viral RNA detected in the fourth week was infective only in the case of one rabbit that did not exhibit clear seroconversion, suggesting persistent infection as a result of an impaired immune response. Since the surviving rabbits were apparently healthy individuals, the importance of detecting carriers and the correct management of faeces to control RHD outbreaks in rabbitries are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Calvete
- Unidad de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Avda. Montañana 930, 50059, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - María P Sarto
- Unidad de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Avda. Montañana 930, 50059, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Iguacel
- Unidad de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Avda. Montañana 930, 50059, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jorge H Calvo
- Unidad de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Avda. Montañana 930, 50059, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), Zaragoza, Spain; ARAID, 50004, Zaragoza, Spain
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16
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Harcourt-Brown FM, Harcourt-Brown N, Joudou LM. RHDV2 epidemic in UK pet rabbits. Part 2: PCR results and correlation with vaccination status. J Small Anim Pract 2020; 61:487-493. [PMID: 32715488 PMCID: PMC7496770 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective To report PCR results and vaccination status of rabbits with rabbit haemorrhagic disease following an investigation into sudden or unexpected death. Materials and Methods PCR testing for RHDV2 and RHDV1 was performed on rabbit liver samples at two laboratories. Laboratory A reported results as positive or negative; Laboratory B reported results quantitatively as RNA copies per mg liver, categorised as negative, inconclusive or positive. The vaccination status of rabbits with both histopathological features of rabbit haemorrhagic disease and positive PCR test results were collated. Results PCR results matched histopathological findings in 188 of 195 (96%) cases. Seven individuals showed equivocal results, all of which had histopathological features of RHD but three tested PCR‐negative and four results conflicted between laboratories. RHDV2 was the serotype detected in all PCR‐positive cases. Histological features of rabbit haemorrhagic disease and PCR test results were positive in 125 rabbits; 51 unvaccinated, 56 in‐date with Nobivac Myxo‐RHD and 13 vaccinated against RHDV2 – although nine of these were vaccinated within 10 days of death. Clinical Significance PCR testing complements histopathology in cases of sudden death in rabbits by confirming the diagnosis and identifying virus serotype, but there can be false negatives. Although RHDV2 is currently prevalent in UK pet rabbits, vaccination against both RHDV1 and RHDV2 is recommended. Failures of RHDV2 vaccine are infrequent.
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17
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Harcourt-Brown N, Silkstone M, Whitbread TJ, Harcourt-Brown FM. RHDV2 epidemic in UK pet rabbits. Part 1: clinical features, gross post mortem and histopathological findings. J Small Anim Pract 2020; 61:419-427. [PMID: 32383506 PMCID: PMC7496995 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To report clinical features, gross post mortem and histopathological findings from an investigation into sudden or unexpected death in rabbits that was undertaken during an outbreak of rabbit haemorrhagic disease. Materials and Methods Using a standard protocol, veterinarians were invited to submit case histories and results of their post mortem examination of pet rabbits that died unexpectedly. Histopathological examination of heart, lungs, liver, spleen and kidney samples was collated with macroscopic appearance and clinical details. Results Hepatocellular necrosis, characteristic of rabbit haemorrhagic disease, was observed in 185 of 300 (62%) submissions, often accompanied by glomerular thrombosis and changes in other organs. Evidence of rabbit haemorrhagic disease was not apparent on histopathology in 113 of 300 (38%) rabbits. Gross post mortem examination by veterinary practitioners did not always reflect reported histopathological changes. No macroscopic abnormalities were seen in 78/185 (42%) of rabbit haemorrhagic disease cases. Rapid death and death of other rabbits in the household were common features of rabbit haemorrhagic disease. Ante mortem clinical signs included anorexia, collapse, lethargy, seizures, icterus, bleeding from the mouth, dyspnoea, hypothermia, pyrexia, bradycardia or poor blood clotting. Clinical Importance Rabbit haemorrhagic disease can be suspected from a history of sudden death, especially if multiple rabbits are affected. There is not always macroscopic evidence of the disease but histopathology is useful to support or refute a diagnosis of rabbit haemorrhagic disease and provide information about other causes of death.
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Ramsey DSL, Cox T, Strive T, Forsyth DM, Stuart I, Hall R, Elsworth P, Campbell S. Emerging RHDV2 suppresses the impact of endemic and novel strains of RHDV on wild rabbit populations. J Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David S. L. Ramsey
- Arthur Rylah Institute Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Heidelberg Vic. Australia
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions Bruce ACT Australia
- School of Biological Sciences University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Tarnya Cox
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions Bruce ACT Australia
- Vertebrate Pest Research UnitDepartment of Primary Industries Orange NSW Australia
| | - Tanja Strive
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions Bruce ACT Australia
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity Canberra ACT Australia
| | - David M. Forsyth
- Vertebrate Pest Research UnitDepartment of Primary Industries Orange NSW Australia
| | - Ivor Stuart
- Arthur Rylah Institute Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Heidelberg Vic. Australia
| | - Robyn Hall
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions Bruce ACT Australia
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity Canberra ACT Australia
| | | | - Susan Campbell
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Albany WA Australia
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Le Minor O, Boucher S, Joudou L, Mellet R, Sourice M, Le Moullec T, Nicolier A, Beilvert F, Sigognault-Flochlay A. Rabbit haemorrhagic disease: experimental study of a recent highly pathogenic GI.2/RHDV2/b strain and evaluation of vaccine efficacy. WORLD RABBIT SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.4995/wrs.2019.11082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In 2010, a variant of the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) belonging to a new GI.2 genotype was identified in France and rapidly spread worldwide. Due to antigenic difference, new vaccines including G1.2 strains have been developed to confer adequate protection. An increase in the pathogenicity of the circulating strains was recently reported. The objective of this experimental study was to characterise the infection with a highly pathogenic GI.2/RHDV2/b isolate (2017) and assess the efficacy of Filavac VHD K C+V vaccine (Filavie) against this strain. Four and 10-wk-old specific pathogen-free rabbits were inoculated with a recommended dose of vaccine. After 7 d, controls and vaccinated rabbits were challenged and clinically monitored for 14 d. All animals were necropsied and blood, organs and urine were sampled for quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. In adult groups, regular nasal and rectal swabbing were performed, and faeces were collected after death to monitor RNA shedding. In control groups, the challenge strain induced acute RHD between 31 and 72 h post-inoculation, with a mortality rate of 100% for kits and 89% for adult rabbits. Except for a shorter mean time to death in kits, similar clinical signs and lesions were observed between age groups. The vaccination significantly prevented all mortality, clinical signs, detection of viral RNA in serum and gross lesions in kits and adult rabbits. In adult groups, we also demonstrated that vaccine significantly protected from detectable RNA shedding via naso-conjunctival and rectal routes. Two weeks after challenge, RNA copies were not detected by PCR in the liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, faeces and urine of vaccinated adult rabbits. The findings for kits were similar, except that very low levels of RNA were present in the liver and spleen of a few rabbits. These data show that immunisation prevented any significant viral multiplication and/or allowed a rapid clearance. We concluded that, despite the quick evolution of GI.2/RHDV2/b strains, the protection conferred by the vaccine remains adequate. In the context of coexistence of both GI.1 and GI.2 genotypes in some countries, with the circulation of multiples recombinant viruses, the vaccination should be based on the association of strains from both genotypes.
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