1
|
Li Z, Song K, Du Y, Zhang Z, Fan R, Zheng P, Liu J. Diagnosis of a Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) and the Humoral Immune Protection Effect of VP60 Vaccine. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:6605-6617. [PMID: 37623236 PMCID: PMC10453004 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45080417] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is known as rabbit plague and hemorrhagic pneumonia. It is an acute, septic, and highly fatal infectious disease caused by the Lagovirus rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) in the family Caliciviridae that infects wild and domestic rabbits and hares (lagomorphs). At present, RHDV2 has caused huge economic losses to the commercial rabbit trade and led to a decline in the number of wild lagomorphs worldwide. We performed a necropsy and pathological observations on five dead rabbits on a rabbit farm in Tai'an, China. The results were highly similar to the clinical and pathological changes of typical RHD. RHDV2 strain was isolated and identified by RT-PCR, and partial gene sequencing and genetic evolution analysis were carried out. There were significant differences in genetic characteristics and antigenicity between RHDV2 and classical RHDV strain, and the vaccine prepared with the RHDV strain cannot effectively prevent rabbit infection with RHDV2. Therefore, we evaluated the protective efficacy of a novel rabbit hemorrhagic virus baculovirus vector inactivated vaccine (VP60) in clinical application by animal regression experiment. The result showed that VP60 could effectively induce humoral immunity in rabbits. The vaccine itself had no significant effect on the health status of rabbits. This study suggested that the clinical application of VP60 may provide new ideas for preventing the spread of RHD2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoming Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
| | - Kaimin Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
| | - Yongzhen Du
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
| | - Zhuanglong Zhang
- Research Center for Animal Disease Control Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
| | - Rupeng Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
| | - Pimiao Zheng
- Research Center for Animal Disease Control Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
| | - Jianzhu Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Perrin KL. Coagulation Disorders, Testing, and Treatment in Exotic Animal Critical Care. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2023:S1094-9194(23)00024-5. [PMID: 37321935 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite poor recognition in the literature, exotic companion animals are affected by many diseases that can result in disordered coagulation and fibrinolysis. This article outlines current knowledge of hemostasis, common diagnostic tests and reviews reported diseases associated with coagulopathy in small mammals, bird and reptiles. A range of conditions affect platelets and thrombocytes, endothelium and blood vessels, and plasma clotting factors. Improved recognition and monitoring of hemostatic disorders will enable targeted therapy and improved case outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L Perrin
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Veterinary Services, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hrynkiewicz R, Bębnowska D, Kauppinen A, Gadd T, Piasecki T, Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej P. Occurrence of Lagovirus europaeus (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus) in Domestic Rabbits in Southwestern Poland in 2019: Case Report. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0229822. [PMID: 36445093 PMCID: PMC9769870 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02298-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Lagovirus europaeus (rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus [RHDV]) is a small, nonenveloped, single-stranded RNA virus that causes a severe, highly infectious, and fatal disease in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) called rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD). Since its discovery in the 1980s, it has posed a very serious threat to the global rabbit industry and the rabbit population in the wild. According to data from 2005 to 2018, the occurrence of RHD has been reported or suspected in 50 countries, with more than one-half of the reports being recorded in European countries. The main aim of the study was to detect Lagovirus europaeus (RHDV) strains found in domestic rabbits that died suddenly in the city of Wrocław in southwest Poland. All animals (n = 14) tested in this study died naturally and showed macroscopic features at necropsy that indicated the possibility of death from RHD. As a result of the research, the presence of L. europaeus virus was confirmed in 8 samples of all 14 samples collected. All strains of Lagovirus europaeus isolated in the present study showed 100% nucleotide identity to L. europaeus GI.1 strain FRG and a strain isolated in New Zealand, as well as the L. europaeus GI.1a Erfurt strain. This suggests that it is likely that L. europaeus GI.2 strains have so far not displaced L. europaeus GI.1 strains from the environment in Poland. IMPORTANCE Lagovirus europaeus (RHDV) causes a severe, highly infectious, and fatal disease in rabbits called RHD. The disease is a very serious threat to the global rabbit industry and the rabbit population in the wild. The aim of the study was to detect Lagovirus europaeus (RHDV) strains in domestic rabbits that died suddenly in Poland. The presence of RHDV was confirmed in 8 samples of all 14 samples collected. This is one of the very few reports on the existence of this virus in pet rabbits in Poland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ari Kauppinen
- Finnish Food Authority, Laboratory and Research Division, Animal Health Diagnostic Unit, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuija Gadd
- Finnish Food Authority, Laboratory and Research Division, Animal Health Diagnostic Unit, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tomasz Piasecki
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, The Faculty of Veterinary, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Byrne AW, Marnell F, Barrett D, Reid N, Hanna REB, McElroy MC, Casey M. Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2; GI.2) in Ireland Focusing on Wild Irish Hares (Lepus timidus hibernicus): An Overview of the First Outbreaks and Contextual Review. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030288. [PMID: 35335613 PMCID: PMC8953227 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2; GI.2) is a pathogenic lagovirus that emerged in 2010, and which now has a global distribution. Outbreaks have been associated with local population declines in several lagomorph species, due to rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD)-associated mortality raising concerns for its potential negative impact on threatened or vulnerable wild populations. The Irish hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) is endemic to Ireland, and is of conservation interest. The first cases of RHDV2 in Ireland were reported in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in 2016, soon followed by the first known case in a wild rabbit also in 2016, from a population reported to be experiencing high fatalities. During summer 2019, outbreaks in wild rabbits were confirmed in several locations throughout Ireland. Six cases of RHDV2 in wild hares were confirmed between July and November 2019, at four locations. Overall, 27 cases in wildlife were confirmed in 2019 on the island of Ireland, with a predominantly southern distribution. Passive surveillance suggests that the Irish hare is susceptible to lethal RHDV2 infection, and that spillover infection to hares is geographically widespread in eastern areas of Ireland at least, but there is a paucity of data on epidemiology and population impacts. A literature review on RHD impact in closely related Lepus species suggests that intraspecific transmission, spillover transmission, and variable mortality occur in hares, but there is variability in reported resistance to severe disease and mortality amongst species. Several key questions on the impact of the pathogen in Irish hares remain. Surveillance activities throughout the island of Ireland will be important in understanding the spread of infection in this novel host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W. Byrne
- One-Health Scientific Support Unit, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Agriculture House, D02 WK12 Dublin, Ireland;
- Correspondence: or
| | - Ferdia Marnell
- Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), D07 N7CV Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Damien Barrett
- One-Health Scientific Support Unit, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Agriculture House, D02 WK12 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Neil Reid
- Institute of Global Food Security (IGFS), School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK;
| | - Robert E. B. Hanna
- Veterinary Science Division (VSD), Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK;
| | - Máire C. McElroy
- Bacteriology and Parasitology Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Agriculture House, Backweston, W23 VW2C Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Mícheál Casey
- Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVL) Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Agriculture House, Backweston, W23 VW2C Dublin, Ireland;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lim K, Tan A, Ho K, Sng W, Lim HP, Chan C, Toh X, Ong J, Chang SF, Fernandez CJ. Resolution of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2; Lagovirus europeus GI.2) outbreak in Singapore. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:3077-3083. [PMID: 34480780 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14312] [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: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting lagomorphs. The first documented cases of RHD in Singapore occurred in adult pet European rabbits in September 2020. Singapore subsequently declared the outbreak resolved in December 2020. Epidemiological investigations ruled out introductions via importation of infected rabbits and contaminated feed. The source could not be definitively determined. However, the findings suggested that the incident involved both inter- and intra-household transmission and veterinary clinic-household transmission. This incident demonstrated the importance of sustained application of biosecurity measures, epidemiological investigations including active case finding, control measures such as expedient vaccine dissemination and risk communications. It showed that even without a wild lagomorph population, an urbanized city-state like Singapore could still encounter emerging diseases such as RHD. Given its social impact on rabbit owners, the National Parks Board, Singapore and private veterinarians worked together to communicate with rabbit owners in order to urge them to adopt biosecurity measures and to address their concerns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin Lim
- Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Botanic Gardens, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alwyn Tan
- Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Botanic Gardens, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kelvin Ho
- Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Botanic Gardens, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wendy Sng
- Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Botanic Gardens, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hwee Ping Lim
- Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Botanic Gardens, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cathy Chan
- The Animal Doctors Pte Ltd (Singapore), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xinyu Toh
- Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Botanic Gardens, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jasmine Ong
- Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Botanic Gardens, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Foong Chang
- Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Botanic Gardens, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Charlene Judith Fernandez
- Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Botanic Gardens, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lim ZJK, Xie S. Application of Epidemiology and Principles of Herd/Flock Health for the Exotic Animal Veterinarian. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2021; 24:495-507. [PMID: 34366006 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Against a backdrop of climate change and epidemics, the exotic animal veterinarian is well positioned to detect emerging and exotic disease threats, prevent and control zoonotic diseases, and identify antimicrobial resistance. Within the traditional context of animal and public health, epidemiology has had a focus on veterinary preventive health and in disease investigation and control particularly in food animal and safety application. The understanding of preventive health management and veterinary epidemiology expands the repertoire of the clinical veterinarian to advise and implement and evaluate group animal health programs and biosecurity measures as well as conduct disease investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shangzhe Xie
- Conservation, Research and Veterinary Department, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pathology of Lagovirus europaeus GI.2/RHDV2/b (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2) in Native North American Lagomorphs. J Wildl Dis 2021; 57:694-700. [PMID: 33961043 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-20-00207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease, a notifiable foreign animal disease in the US, was reported for the first time in wild native North American lagomorphs in April 2020 in the southwestern US. Affected species included the desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), mountain cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii), black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), and antelope jackrabbit (Lepus alleni). Desert cottontails (n=7) and black-tailed jackrabbits (n=7) collected in April and May 2020 were necropsied at the US Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center and tested positive for Lagovirus europaeus GI.2, also known as rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (GI.2/RHDV2/b), by real-time PCR at the US Department of Agriculture's Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Gross and microscopic lesions were similar to those reported in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and other hare (Lepus) species with GI.2/RHDV2/b infection; they included epistaxis (12/13; 92%); massive hepatocellular dissociation (14/14; 100%) and necrosis or apoptosis (11/11; 100%); pulmonary congestion (12/12; 100%), edema (12/13; 92%), and hemorrhage (11/12; 92%); and acute renal tubular injury (3/8; 38%). As in previous reports, massive hepatocellular dissociation and necrosis or apoptosis was the most diagnostically distinct finding. As North American Sylvilagus and Lepus species appear to be susceptible to fatal GI.2/RHDV2/b infection, additional work is needed to understand the host range, pathogenicity, and potential population effects of GI.2/RHDV2/b in North America.
Collapse
|
9
|
Toh X, Ong J, Chan C, Teo XH, Toh S, Fernandez CJ, Huangfu T. First detection of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV2) in Singapore. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1521-1528. [PMID: 33892517 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is a significant viral disease caused by infection with Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV). The first documented cases of RHDV in Singapore occurred in adult pet European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in September 2020. Rabbits presented with acute hyporexia, lethargy, huddled posture, and varying degrees of pyrexia and tachypnoea. Clinical pathology consistently reflected markedly elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALKP). Hepatic lobe torsion was ruled out using ultrasonography and colour Doppler studies in all patients. A total of 11 rabbits owned by 3 families were presented to the clinics; 8/11 rabbits died within 48 hr of presentation, while the remaining two rabbits had recovered after prolonged hospitalization and one rabbit was aclinical. Histopathology revealed acute, marked diffuse hepatocellular necrosis and degeneration, findings which were suggestive for RHDV infection and prompted the undertaking of further molecular diagnostics. Subsequent polymerase chain reaction of the liver samples detected RHDV RNA. Molecular characterization of viral genomes by whole genome sequencing revealed that the outbreak strain was of the genotype GI.2 (RHDV2/RHDVb). Nucleotide sequences of the VP60 gene were compared with various RHDV variants using phylogenetic analysis. The sample genome shared highest sequence identity with a GI.2-genotyped virus from GenBank (RHDV isolate Algarve 1 polyprotein and minor structural protein (VP10) genes, GenBank accession KF442961). The combination of clinical, histopathological, molecular and sequencing technologies enabled rapid detection and detailed genetic characterization of the RHDV virus causing the present outbreak for prompt implementation of disease control measures in Singapore. Further epidemiological investigations of potential virus introduction into Singapore are ongoing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Toh
- Center for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore
| | - Jasmine Ong
- Center for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore
| | - Cathy Chan
- The Animal Doctors Pte Ltd (Singapore), Singapore
| | - Xuan Hui Teo
- Center for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore
| | - Steffie Toh
- Center for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore
| | - Charlene Judith Fernandez
- Center for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore
| | - Taoqi Huangfu
- Center for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Katayama A, Miyazaki A, Okazaki N, Nakayama T, Mikami O. An outbreak of rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) caused by Lagovirus europaeus GI.2/rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) in Ehime, Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2021; 83:931-934. [PMID: 33840722 PMCID: PMC8267198 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of ten 1–2-year-old rabbits died within 2 weeks at a facility in Ehime prefecture
in May 2019. Necropsy revealed liver discoloration and fragility, hemorrhage of some
organs and blood coagulation failure. On histopathologic examination, necrotizing
hepatitis was a common finding, together with fibrin thrombi in the small vessels and
hemorrhage in some organs. Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) virus gene was detected in
liver samples, and viral particles of approximately 32 nm in diameter were found in the
cytoplasm of degenerated hepatocytes by electron microscopy. Phylogenetic analysis based
on the partial VP60 gene sequence classified it as Lagovirus europaeus
GI.2/RHDV2. This is the first confirmed outbreak of RHD caused by globally emerging
GI.2/RHDV2 in Japan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akiho Katayama
- Ehime Prefectural Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center, 743-1 Tanokubo, Touon, Ehime 791-0212, Japan
| | - Ayako Miyazaki
- National Institute of Animal Health, NARO, 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan
| | - Naohito Okazaki
- Ehime Prefectural Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center, 743-1 Tanokubo, Touon, Ehime 791-0212, Japan
| | - Teruko Nakayama
- Tobe Zoological Park of Ehime Prefecture, 240 Kamiharamachi, Tobe, Ehime 791-2191, Japan
| | - Osamu Mikami
- Hokkaido Research Station, National Institute of Animal Health, NARO, 4 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0045, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abade dos Santos FA, Magro C, Carvalho CL, Ruivo P, Duarte MD, Peleteiro MC. A Potential Atypical Case of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease in a Dwarf Rabbit. Animals (Basel) 2020; 11:ani11010040. [PMID: 33379183 PMCID: PMC7823764 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We report an unusual clinical case in a pet rabbit vaccinated against rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV, GI.1), that developed a prolonged hepatic disease, and was diagnosed RHDV2 (GI.2) positive post-mortem. This finding is a warning to all veterinarians that rabbit haemorrhagic disease should also be considered for differential diagnosis despite the history of RHDV vaccination and the need to update vaccination programs against the current RHDV2 circulating strains. Abstract Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is a highly contagious infectious disease of European wild and domestic rabbits. Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV, GI.1) emerged in 1986 in Europe, rapidly spreading all over the world. Several genotypes of RHDV have been recognised over time, but in 2010, a new virus (RHDV2/RHDVb, GI.2) emerged and progressively replaced the previous RHDV strains, due to the lack of cross-immunity conferred between RHDV and RHDV2. RHDV2 has a high mutation rate, similarly to the other calivirus and recombines with strains of RHDV and non-pathogenic calicivirus (GI.4), ensuring the continuous emergence of new field strains. Although this poses a threat to the already endangered European rabbit species, the available vaccines against RHDV2 and the compliance of biosafety measures seem to be controlling the infection in the rabbit industry Pet rabbits, especially when kept indoor, are considered at lower risk of infections, although RHDV2 and myxoma virus (MYXV) constitute a permanent threat due to transmission via insects. Vaccination against these viruses is therefore recommended every 6 months (myxomatosis) or annually (rabbit haemorrhagic disease). The combined immunization for myxomatosis and RHDV through a commercially available bivalent vaccine with RHDV antigen has been extensively used (Nobivac® Myxo-RHD, MSD, Kenilworth, NJ, USA). This vaccine however does not confer proper protection against the RHDV2, thus the need for a rabbit clinical vaccination protocol update. Here we report a clinical case of hepatitis and alteration of coagulation in a pet rabbit that had been vaccinated with the commercially available bivalent vaccine against RHDV and tested positive to RHDV2 after death. The animal developed a prolonged and atypical disease, compatible with RHD. The virus was identified to be an RHDV2 recombinant strain, with the structural backbone of RHDV2 (GI.2) and the non-structural genes of non-pathogenic-A1 strains (RCV-A1, GI.4). Although confirmation of the etiological agent was only made after death, the clinical signs and analytic data were very suggestive of RHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fábio A. Abade dos Santos
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.D.D.); (M.C.P.)
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal;
- Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias (IUBA), Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Carolina Magro
- VetOeiras, Hospital Médico-Veterinário, Estrada de Oeiras n18-20, 2780-114 Oeiras, Portugal;
| | - Carina L. Carvalho
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal;
| | - Pedro Ruivo
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (IMM), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1070-312 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Margarida D. Duarte
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.D.D.); (M.C.P.)
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal;
| | - Maria C. Peleteiro
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.D.D.); (M.C.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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.
Collapse
|