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Poxvirus fibromas on African hares
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|July 1, 1977
Summary
African hares in Kenya developed small dermal tumors. These fibromas contained poxvirus, similar to those found in rabbits and European hares, but the virus could not be propagated.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Virology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Dermal tumors in African hares (Lepus capensis) are uncommon.
- Fibromas in lagomorphs can be caused by poxviruses.
- Previous studies have documented fibromas in North American rabbits and European hares.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiology of dermal tumors observed in African hares.
- To characterize the pathological features of these tumors.
- To identify the causative agent, if any.
Main Methods:
- Gross and histopathological examination of tumor samples.
- Electron microscopy to identify viral particles.
- Inclusion body analysis.
Main Results:
- Tumors were small dermal growths on three African hares.
- Histopathology showed similarities to Shope's fibroma and European hare fibromas.
- Intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies characteristic of poxviruses were observed.
- Poxvirus virions were confirmed by electron microscopy.
Conclusions:
- The dermal tumors in African hares are likely poxvirus-induced fibromas.
- This represents a potential poxvirus infection in African hares.
- Further research is needed to isolate and characterize the specific poxvirus, as attempts to propagate it were unsuccessful.