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Benign circulation of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus on Lambay Island, Eire
N L Forrester1, R C Trout, E A Gould
1Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SR, UK. nlf@ceh.ac.uk <nlf@ceh.ac.uk>
Abstract:
With the exception of virus strains Ashington and RCV, other recognised strains of Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) share relatively close genetic homology. Using serology and phylogenetic analysis, we have identified a third disparate virus lineage in healthy rabbits on Lambay Island off the east coast of Eire, where disease due to RHDV has never been observed. ELISA tests revealed high titre RHDV-specific antibodies in 81% of the sera from 11 healthy rabbits captured on this island, indicating that the virus is actively circulating amongst these rabbits. Nevertheless, infectious virus has not been isolated from rabbits living on this island. The detection of antibodies and the disparate Lambay virus lineage in an apparently healthy and isolated wild rabbit population provides the most convincing evidence yet that at least some strains of RHDV can circulate harmlessly for long periods of time in wild rabbits possibly by producing persistent or latent infections.
Insights
A new Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) lineage was found in healthy Irish rabbits. This suggests some RHDV strains may circulate harmlessly, indicating persistent or latent infections in wild rabbit populations.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Immunology
- Ecology
Background:
- Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) is a significant pathogen in European rabbits.
- Most recognized RHDV strains exhibit close genetic relatedness, with exceptions like Ashington and RCV.
- Disease outbreaks are typically associated with overt clinical signs and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic diversity of RHDV in isolated wild rabbit populations.
- To determine the serological status of rabbits in an area with no reported RHDV disease.
- To identify novel RHDV lineages and understand their potential for asymptomatic circulation.
Main Methods:
- Serological analysis using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to detect RHDV-specific antibodies.
- Phylogenetic analysis of viral genetic material to identify distinct lineages.
- Sampling of wild rabbits from Lambay Island, Ireland, an isolated and disease-free area.
Main Results:
- High RHDV-specific antibody titers were detected in 81% of sera from 11 healthy wild rabbits.
- A third, genetically disparate RHDV lineage, designated the Lambay virus, was identified.
- Infectious virus particles were not isolated from the sampled rabbits, despite antibody presence.
Conclusions:
- The findings provide strong evidence for the circulation of RHDV strains that do not cause apparent disease in wild rabbits.
- Persistent or latent infections are a likely mechanism for the harmless, long-term circulation of these RHDV strains.
- This discovery has implications for understanding RHDV epidemiology and disease management strategies in wild rabbit populations.
