Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus in Mexico in 2020-2021: Risk Areas and Climatic Distribution

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Wildlife Ecology
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Lagomorphs in Mexico face poorly understood disease threats, impacting endemic species.
• Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), particularly the RHDV2 variant, is a highly contagious and lethal disease affecting lagomorph populations globally.
• Limited data exists on the specific impact and distribution of RHDV2 within Mexico's diverse lagomorph communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 (RHDV2) hotspots in Mexico.
• To identify critical lagomorph biodiversity regions affected by RHDV2.
• To pinpoint areas of highest concern for lagomorph conservation due to RHDV2 outbreaks.

Main Methods:

• Combined analysis of RHDV2 occurrence data (April 2020 - August 2021) with lagomorph distribution maps.
• Utilized climatic variables to predict RHDV2 distribution patterns.
• Identified affected wild species including Sylvilagus audubonii, Lepus californicus, and other Leporidae.

Main Results:

• RHDV2 was detected in 19 Mexican states between April 2020 and August 2021.
• Twelve states reported RHDV2 impacting wild lagomorph species.
• RHDV2 hotspots were concentrated in the central-southern Mexican Highlands and Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, affecting multiple species.

Conclusions:

• RHDV2 poses a significant threat to wild lagomorphs in Mexico, particularly in identified hotspot regions.
• Understanding the spatial distribution of RHDV2, influenced by climate, is crucial for targeted conservation.
• Urgent management strategies are needed to protect vulnerable lagomorph populations from RHDV2.