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RHDV2 epidemic in UK pet rabbits. Part 2: PCR results and correlation with vaccination status
F M Harcourt-Brown1, N Harcourt-Brown1, L M Joudou2
1North Yorkshire, UK.
The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|July 28, 2020
Summary
PCR testing confirms rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) in sudden deaths, with RHDV2 being the prevalent strain. Vaccination against RHDV1 and RHDV2 is recommended for pet rabbits.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Rabbit Medicine
Background:
- Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) causes sudden death in rabbits.
- RHDV2 is a prevalent serotype in the UK.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate PCR results with histopathology in rabbit deaths.
- To determine the RHDV serotype involved.
- To assess vaccination status in affected rabbits.
Main Methods:
- PCR testing for RHDV1 and RHDV2 on liver samples from deceased rabbits.
- Histopathological examination for RHD.
- Collating vaccination status of positive cases.
Main Results:
- PCR results aligned with histopathology in 96% of cases.
- RHDV2 was the only serotype detected in PCR-positive rabbits.
- Of 125 rabbits with confirmed RHD, 51 were unvaccinated, 56 were up-to-date with RHDV1/RHDV2 vaccination, and 13 had received RHDV2 vaccination, with 9 vaccinated within 10 days of death.
Conclusions:
- PCR testing is a valuable tool to complement histopathology for RHD diagnosis and serotyping.
- Despite RHDV2 prevalence, vaccination against both RHDV1 and RHDV2 is advised.
- RHDV2 vaccine failures are uncommon.
