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Myxoma virus in rabbits
1Vertebrate Biocontrol Cooperative Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Lyneham, ACT, Australia.
Summary
Myxoma virus causes severe myxomatosis in European rabbits, unlike its benign effect in native hosts. Over time, rabbits developed resistance, influenced by attenuated virus strains and climate, impacting disease virulence and transmission.
Area of Science:
- * Evolutionary biology
- * Virology
- * Immunology
Background:
- * Myxoma virus (MYXV) is a prime example of host-virus co-evolution.
- * MYXV causes benign fibromas in native American rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.).
- * In European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), MYXV induces lethal myxomatosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To examine the co-evolutionary dynamics between myxoma virus and European rabbits.
- * To understand the factors influencing the development of rabbit resistance to myxomatosis.
- * To explore the impact of environmental factors and virus attenuation on resistance evolution.
Main Methods:
- * Review of documented myxoma virus outbreaks and rabbit population responses.
- * Analysis of historical data on myxomatosis lethality and resistance development.
- * Consideration of environmental influences, such as climate, on disease dynamics.
Main Results:
- * Initial MYXV introduction to European rabbits resulted in over 99% mortality.
- * Emergence of attenuated virus strains facilitated the survival of moderately resistant rabbits.
- * High ambient temperatures may accelerate resistance development by increasing host survival.
- * Increased rabbit resistance can lead to the emergence of more virulent virus strains.
Conclusions:
- * European rabbits exhibit evolving resistance to myxoma virus, a significant host-pathogen interaction.
- * Virus attenuation and environmental factors play crucial roles in shaping resistance.
- * The mechanisms underlying rabbit resistance require further experimental investigation.