Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 Experimental Infection in Snowshoe Hares (Lepus americanus)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Wildlife Disease Ecology
• Lagomorph Pathology

Background:

• Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) is a highly contagious and lethal virus affecting lagomorphs.
• RHDV2 outbreaks have been documented globally, with recent establishment in the US.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the susceptibility and response of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) to RHDV2 infection.
• To assess viral shedding and seroconversion in experimentally infected snowshoe hares.

Main Methods:

• Six snowshoe hares were orally inoculated with infectious RHDV2.
• Animals were monitored for clinical signs, viral shedding (PCR), and serological response for 14 days.
• Histopathological examination of liver tissues was performed postmortem.

Main Results:

• No snowshoe hares died during the 14-day experimental period.
• Histopathology revealed evidence of hepatic injury recovery.
• RHDV2 was detected in liver and fecal samples, confirming infection and shedding.
• A majority of hares (5/6) seroconverted by the study's end.

Conclusions:

• Snowshoe hares are susceptible to RHDV2 infection and capable of viral shedding.
• These lagomorphs exhibit relative resistance to severe clinical disease and mortality from RHDV2.
• Findings suggest a potential role for snowshoe hares in RHDV2 epidemiology, albeit with a lower clinical impact.