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Pratt EN, Lockwood JL, King EG, Pienaar EF. Identifying inconsistencies in exotic pet regulations that perpetuate trade in risky species. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14189. [PMID: 37768191 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory inconsistencies at different jurisdictional levels have contributed to the global expansion of the exotic pet trade, with resultant increases in the spread of invasive species and pathogens. Researchers have enumerated multiple limitations and environmental risks posed by international and national rules that govern the exotic pet trade, yet little attention has focused on the regulation of the exotic pet trade within national borders. We reviewed state-level regulations that apply to the trade of vertebrate animal taxa in the United States. Definitions and classifications for regulating different vertebrate taxa varied greatly across states, and the terms pet and companion animal were poorly defined and inconsistent across states. States implemented regulations that permit trade in exotic vertebrate pets that are banned from import into the United States owing to public health and conservation concerns. Once species have been imported into the United States, inconsistent internal regulations facilitate the movement of animals that pose substantial invasion and disease risks. Violations of state laws were typically listed as misdemeanors, and the median fine for violating state wildlife trade laws was $1000. Inconsistent and incomplete regulation of exotic vertebrate pets across state borders, in conjunction with limited penalties for violating regulations, has facilitated continued possession of exotic pets in states where these animals are banned. Based on our review of regulatory weaknesses, we conclude that a transition to a federally enforced list of vertebrate species that may be traded as pets is needed, with all other vertebrate species banned from the exotic pet trade unless their potential invasion and disease risks have been assessed and demonstrated to be low or nonexistent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth N Pratt
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Julie L Lockwood
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Elizabeth G King
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Elizabeth F Pienaar
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
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Shapiro HG, Ruder MG, Nimlos NM, Pienaar EF. Understanding rabbit owners' willingness to engage in disease prevention behaviors. Prev Vet Med 2023; 219:106018. [PMID: 37690295 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106018] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is a fatal, highly contagious pathogen that infects wild and domestic lagomorphs (rabbits and hares). RHDV2 is an important cause of disease in pet and companion rabbits, has resulted in economic losses for the commercial rabbit industry, and has caused declines of wild lagomorph populations. It is essential for domestic rabbit owners to engage in appropriate actions (e.g., using effective disinfectants, creating secure barriers between domestic and wild rabbits) to protect the health and welfare of their rabbits and reduce the risk of human-mediated spread of RHDV2. Thus, we investigated rabbit owners' stated willingness to engage in nine commonly recommended biosecurity practices and their support for seven potential government-implemented management actions. We administered an online survey to 1790 rabbit owners in the United States between April and August 2021. Respondents were likely to engage in all biosecurity measures and were supportive of most management actions that could be implemented by government agencies. Respondents' willingness to engage in and support biosecurity measures was positively correlated with their perceptions of the importance of biosecurity, risk perceptions pertaining to the impact of RHDV2 on lagomorphs and rabbit-related industries, knowledge of RHDV2, and trust in government to manage RHDV2. Respondents' motivations for owning rabbits, husbandry behaviors, and demographic characteristics also influenced their willingness to engage in or support biosecurity measures. Engaging domestic rabbit owners in collaborative biosecurity measures is critical for protecting domestic rabbit health and preventing potential spillover between domestic and free-roaming lagomorphs, as there are still many uncertainties about how RHDV2 is spreading across the United States and the world. Implementing outreach strategies that communicate the importance and effectiveness of biosecurity practices in protecting rabbit welfare, rabbit-related activities, and wild lagomorph populations may increase the likelihood of rabbit owners adopting biosecurity measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah G Shapiro
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Mark G Ruder
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Nicole M Nimlos
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Elizabeth F Pienaar
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States; Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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Shapiro HG, D'Angelo G, Ruder MG, Pienaar EF. Engaging stakeholders in wildlife disease management: Hunters' willingness to adopt and support biosecurity actions to prevent the spread of rabbit hemorrhagic disease. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah G. Shapiro
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia Athens Georgia USA
| | - Gino D'Angelo
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia Athens Georgia USA
| | - Mark G. Ruder
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Georgia Athens Georgia USA
| | - Elizabeth F. Pienaar
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia Athens Georgia USA
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Mammal Research Institute University of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
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Shapiro HG, Ruder MG, Pienaar EF. Down the Rabbit Hole: Domestic Rabbit Owners' Perceptions of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2. ECOHEALTH 2022; 19:487-501. [PMID: 36624244 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-022-01622-7] [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: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is a highly contagious pathogen that infects wild and domestic rabbits and hares (lagomorphs). Globally, RHDV2 has resulted in substantial economic losses for commercial rabbit trade and caused wild lagomorph population declines. Previous research on RHDV2 suggests that human-mediated movement of rabbits may contribute to the spread of RHDV2. We conducted the first survey of individuals who own or interact with domestic rabbits to identify their rabbit husbandry behaviors and knowledge of, and concerns about, RHDV2. In 2021, we surveyed 1807 rabbit owners, breeders, and rescue staff in the USA. Respondents had a high level of knowledge about RHDV2. Respondents believed RHDV2 posed a high risk to rabbit-related activities and were concerned about its economic and ecological impacts. Nearly half of respondents always kept their rabbits indoors, but 10.7% of respondents allowed their rabbits outside frequently on properties used by wild lagomorphs. Respondents with five rabbits or less were generally willing to vaccinate their rabbits, but respondents with larger herds argued that vaccines were cost prohibitive. Given respondents' concerns about RHDV2, communication about disease prevention should highlight the adverse ecological and economic consequences of RHDV2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah G Shapiro
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E. Green Street, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Mark G Ruder
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Elizabeth F Pienaar
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E. Green Street, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
- Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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Bosco-Lauth AM, Cominsky B, Porter S, Root JJ, Schueler A, Anderson G, VanderWal S, Benson A. A novel vaccine candidate against rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) confers protection in domestic rabbits. Am J Vet Res 2022; 83:ajvr.22.05.0095. [DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.22.05.0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate efficacy of a novel vaccine against rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) in domestic rabbits.
ANIMALS
40 New Zealand White rabbits obtained from a commercial breeder.
PROCEDURES
Rabbits were vaccinated and held at the production facility for the duration of the vaccination phase and transferred to Colorado State University for challenge with RHDV2. Rabbits were challenged with oral suspensions containing infectious virus and monitored for clinical disease for up to 10 days. Rabbits that died or were euthanized following infection were necropsied, and livers were evaluated for viral RNA via RT-PCR.
RESULTS
None of the vaccinated animals (0/9) exhibited clinical disease or mortality following infection with RHDV2 while 9/13 (69%) of the control animals succumbed to lethal disease following infection.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The novel vaccine described herein provided complete protection against lethal infection following RHDV2 challenge. Outside of emergency use, there are currently no licensed vaccines against RHDV2 on the market in the United States; as such, this vaccine candidate would provide an option for control of this disease now that RHDV2 has become established in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bethany Cominsky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Stephanie Porter
- USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO
| | - J. Jeffrey Root
- USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO
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