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Weyna AAW, Andreasen VA, Burrell CE, Kunkel MR, Radisic R, Goodwin CC, Fenton H, Dugovich BS, Poulson RL, Ruder MG, Yabsley MJ, Sanchez S, Nemeth NM. Causes of morbidity and mortality in wild cottontail rabbits in the eastern United States, 2013-2022. J Vet Diagn Invest 2024:10406387241259000. [PMID: 38853709 DOI: 10.1177/10406387241259000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Interest in causes of mortality of free-ranging, native North American lagomorphs has grown with the emergence of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2). Over the years 2013-2022, the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study received 119 Sylvilagus spp. case submissions from the central and eastern United States, comprising 147 rabbits. Most (86%) of these submissions occurred after detecting RHDV2 in the United States in 2020. Laboratory data from these rabbits were retrospectively evaluated for major causes, contributors to mortality, and pathogen detections. Gross and histologic examination was performed for 112 rabbits. Common primary causes of death included trauma (n = 49), bacterial disease (n = 31), emaciation (n = 6), and parasitism (n = 6). Among the 32 rabbits with bacterial disease, 12 were diagnosed with tularemia and 7 with pasteurellosis. Rabbits with pasteurellosis had disseminated abscessation, septicemia, and/or polyserositis. Less commonly, cutaneous fibroma (n = 2), notoedric mange (n = 2), encephalitozoonosis (n = 2), neoplasia (round-cell sarcoma; n = 1), and congenital abnormalities (n = 1) were diagnosed. RHDV2 was not detected in 123 rabbits tested. Although RHDV2 has not been detected in wild lagomorphs in the eastern United States, detections in domestic rabbits from the region emphasize the need for continued surveillance. Furthermore, continued surveillance for Francisella tularensis informs public health risk. Overall, increased knowledge of Sylvilagus spp. health furthers our understanding of diseases affecting these important prey and game species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisia A W Weyna
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Victoria A Andreasen
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Caitlin E Burrell
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Melanie R Kunkel
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Rebecca Radisic
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Chloe C Goodwin
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Heather Fenton
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Brian S Dugovich
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Rebecca L Poulson
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Mark G Ruder
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Michael J Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Susan Sanchez
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Nicole M Nemeth
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Abrantes J, Bertagnoli S, Cavadini P, Esteves PJ, Gavier-Widén D, Hall RN, Lavazza A, Le Gall-Reculé G, Mahar JE, Marchandeau S, Lopes AM. Comment on Shah et al. Genetic Characteristics and Phylogeographic Dynamics of Lagoviruses, 1988-2021. Viruses 2023, 15, 815. Viruses 2024; 16:927. [PMID: 38932219 PMCID: PMC11209181 DOI: 10.3390/v16060927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Shah and colleagues [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Abrantes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (J.A.); (P.J.E.)
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Stéphane Bertagnoli
- Laboratoire Interactions Hôtes-Agents Pathogènes, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, CEDEX 3, 31076 Toulouse, France;
| | - Patrizia Cavadini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (P.C.); (A.L.)
- WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease, Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Pedro J. Esteves
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (J.A.); (P.J.E.)
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- CITS—Center of Investigation in Health Technologies, CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Dolores Gavier-Widén
- Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA), 75189 Uppsala, Sweden;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7028, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Robyn N. Hall
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia;
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
- Ausvet Pty Ltd., Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Antonio Lavazza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (P.C.); (A.L.)
- WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease, Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Ghislaine Le Gall-Reculé
- Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort Laboratory, Avian & Rabbit Virology, Immunology & Parasitology Unit, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (Anses), 22440 Ploufragan, France;
| | - Jackie E. Mahar
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australian Animal Health Laboratory and Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia;
| | | | - Ana M. Lopes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (J.A.); (P.J.E.)
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- UMIB—Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- ITR—Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
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3
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Hall RN, Trought K, Strive T, Duckworth JA, Jenckel M. First Detection and Circulation of RHDV2 in New Zealand. Viruses 2024; 16:519. [PMID: 38675862 PMCID: PMC11053765 DOI: 10.3390/v16040519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhage disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is a highly pathogenic lagovirus that causes lethal disease in rabbits and hares (lagomorphs). Since its first detection in Europe in 2010, RHDV2 has spread worldwide and has been detected in over 35 countries so far. Here, we provide the first detailed report of the detection and subsequent circulation of RHDV2 in New Zealand. RHDV2 was first detected in New Zealand in 2018, with positive samples retrospectively identified in December 2017. Subsequent time-resolved phylogenetic analysis suggested a single introduction into the North Island between March and November 2016. Genetic analysis identified a GI.3P-GI.2 variant supporting a non-Australian origin for the incursion; however, more accurate identification of the source of the incursion remains challenging due to the wide global distribution of the GI.3P-GI.2 variant. Furthermore, our analysis suggests the spread of the virus between the North and South Islands of New Zealand at least twice, dated to mid-2017 and around 2018. Further phylogenetic analysis also revealed a strong phylogeographic pattern. So far, no recombination events with endemic benign New Zealand rabbit caliciviruses have been identified. This study highlights the need for further research and surveillance to monitor the distribution and diversity of lagoviruses in New Zealand and to detect incursions of novel variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn N. Hall
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
- Ausvet Pty Ltd., Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia;
| | - Katherine Trought
- Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Lincoln 7608, New Zealand; (K.T.); (J.A.D.)
| | - Tanja Strive
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Janine A. Duckworth
- Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Lincoln 7608, New Zealand; (K.T.); (J.A.D.)
| | - Maria Jenckel
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
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Sahraoui L, Lahouassa H, Maziz-Bettahar S, Lopes AM, Almeida T, Ainbaziz H, Abrantes J. First detection and molecular characterization of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) in Algeria. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1235123. [PMID: 37745217 PMCID: PMC10513046 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1235123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first detection of rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD), the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) has been responsible for high morbidity and mortality worldwide, both in domestic and in wild rabbits. Despite the apparent control of RHD in rabbitries through vaccination, several studies highlighted the rapid evolution of RHDV by recombination, which may facilitate the emergence of new pathogenic strains. The aim of this study was to confirm the presence and characterize RHDV in Algeria. For this, rabbit samples were collected in the north of Algeria, between 2018 and 2021, from small farms where the virus was suspected after the sudden death of a high number of rabbits, and from healthy hunted wild rabbits. The domestic rabbits revealed clinical signs and lesions that were suggestive of RHD. RT-PCR showed that 79.31% of the domestic rabbit samples were positive for RHDV, while in 20.69%, including the hunted rabbits, the virus was not detected. Phylogenetic analysis of the Algerian strains allowed the confirmation and identification as GI.2 (RHDV2), and showed a close relation to GI.3P-GI.2 recombinant strains, suggesting a potential introduction from other countries, with an older strain potentially originated from neighboring Tunisia, while more recent isolates grouped with strains from North America. Our study reports for the first time the presence of GI.2 (RHDV2) in Algeria with multiple routes of introduction. Consequently, we propose that RHDV control in Algeria should be based on epidemiological surveys in association with an adequate prophylactic program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda Sahraoui
- Laboratory of Animal Health and Production, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Hichem Lahouassa
- Laboratory of Animal Health and Production, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Samia Maziz-Bettahar
- Laboratory of Animal Health and Production, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Algiers, Algeria
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, Saad Dahlab University of Blida1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Ana M. Lopes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal
- UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Tereza Almeida
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Hacina Ainbaziz
- Laboratory of Animal Health and Production, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Joana Abrantes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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5
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Kardia E, Fakhri O, Pavy M, Mason H, Huang N, Smertina E, Jenckel M, Peng NYG, Estes MK, Strive T, Frese M, Smith I, Hall RN. Hepatobiliary organoids derived from leporids support the replication of hepatotropic lagoviruses. J Gen Virol 2023; 104. [PMID: 37584657 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Lagovirus of the family Caliciviridae contains some of the most virulent vertebrate viruses known. Lagoviruses infect leporids, such as rabbits, hares and cottontails. Highly pathogenic viruses such as Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 1 (RHDV1) cause a fulminant hepatitis that typically leads to disseminated intravascular coagulation within 24-72 h of infection, killing over 95 % of susceptible animals. Research into the pathophysiological mechanisms that are responsible for this extreme phenotype has been hampered by the lack of a reliable culture system. Here, we report on a new ex vivo model for the cultivation of lagoviruses in cells derived from the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and European brown hare (Lepus europaeus). We show that three different lagoviruses, RHDV1, RHDV2 and RHDVa-K5, replicate in monolayer cultures derived from rabbit hepatobiliary organoids, but not in monolayer cultures derived from cat (Felis catus) or mouse (Mus musculus) organoids. Virus multiplication was demonstrated by (i) an increase in viral RNA levels, (ii) the accumulation of dsRNA viral replication intermediates and (iii) the expression of viral structural and non-structural proteins. The establishment of an organoid culture system for lagoviruses will facilitate studies with considerable implications for the conservation of endangered leporid species in Europe and North America, and the biocontrol of overabundant rabbit populations in Australia and New Zealand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egi Kardia
- Health and Biosecurity Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Omid Fakhri
- Health and Biosecurity Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Megan Pavy
- Health and Biosecurity Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Hugh Mason
- Health and Biosecurity Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Nina Huang
- Health and Biosecurity Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Elena Smertina
- Health and Biosecurity Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Maria Jenckel
- Health and Biosecurity Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Nias Y G Peng
- Health and Biosecurity Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Mary K Estes
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tanja Strive
- Health and Biosecurity Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Michael Frese
- Health and Biosecurity Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Ina Smith
- Health and Biosecurity Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Robyn N Hall
- Health and Biosecurity Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
- Present address: Ausvet, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
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6
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Ramsey DS, Patel KK, Campbell S, Hall RN, Taggart PL, Strive T. Sustained Impact of RHDV2 on Wild Rabbit Populations across Australia Eight Years after Its Initial Detection. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051159. [PMID: 37243245 DOI: 10.3390/v15051159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the arrival of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) in Australia, average rabbit population abundances were reduced by 60% between 2014 and 2018 based on monitoring data acquired from 18 sites across Australia. During this period, as the seropositivity to RHDV2 increased, concurrent decreases were observed in the seroprevalence of both the previously circulating RHDV1 and RCVA, a benign endemic rabbit calicivirus. However, the detection of substantial RHDV1 seropositivity in juvenile rabbits suggested that infections were continuing to occur, ruling out the rapid extinction of this variant. Here we investigate whether the co-circulation of two pathogenic RHDV variants was sustained after 2018 and whether the initially observed impact on rabbit abundance was still maintained. We monitored rabbit abundance and seropositivity to RHDV2, RHDV1 and RCVA at six of the initial eighteen sites until the summer of 2022. We observed sustained suppression of rabbit abundance at five of the six sites, with the average population reduction across all six sites being 64%. Across all sites, average RHDV2 seroprevalence remained high, reaching 60-70% in adult rabbits and 30-40% in juvenile rabbits. In contrast, average RHDV1 seroprevalence declined to <3% in adult rabbits and 5-6% in juvenile rabbits. Although seropositivity continued to be detected in a low number of juvenile rabbits, it is unlikely that RHDV1 strains now play a major role in the regulation of rabbit abundance. In contrast, RCVA seropositivity appears to be reaching an equilibrium with that of RHDV2, with RCVA seroprevalence in the preceding quarter having a strong negative effect on RHDV2 seroprevalence and vice versa, suggesting ongoing co-circulation of these variants. These findings highlight the complex interactions between different calicivirus variants in free-living rabbit populations and demonstrate the changes in interactions over the course of the RHDV2 epizootic as it has moved towards endemicity. While it is encouraging from an Australian perspective to see sustained suppression of rabbit populations in the eight years following the arrival of RHDV2, it is likely that rabbit populations will eventually recover, as has been observed with previous rabbit pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Ramsey
- Arthur Rylah Institute, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Heidelberg, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Kandarp K Patel
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, The University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Susan Campbell
- Invasive Species and Environment Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Albany, WA 6330, Australia
| | - Robyn N Hall
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, The University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Patrick L Taggart
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, The University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Department of Primary Industries NSW, Queanbeyan, NSW 2800, Australia
| | - Tanja Strive
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, The University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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Al-Ebshahy E, Abas O, Abo-ElKhair M. Co-circulation of GI.1 and GI.2 genotypes of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus in Egypt. Virusdisease 2022; 33:422-428. [PMID: 36447817 PMCID: PMC9701251 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-022-00791-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, Egypt has experienced an increased incidence of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) infection even among vaccinated rabbits. The present study estimates the emergence of RHDV in vaccinated (n = 10) and unvaccinated (n = 8) domestic rabbitries in Beheira and Kafr El-Sheikh provinces, Egypt, during the period 2018-2020. A total of 8 out of 18 (44.4%) liver extracts were able to agglutinate human type O RBCs with HA titers ranged from 8 to 12 log2, and then subsequently confirmed for the presence of RHDV RNA using a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The VP60 gene sequences of three selected isolates, designated Beh-1, Beh-9 and kaf-14, were submitted to the GenBank database and the accession numbers MZ782083 to MZ782085 were assigned, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Kaf-14 isolate was placed into the GI.1 genotype, while the Beh-1 and Beh-9 isolates were grouped into the GI.2 genotype. Overall, the three isolates shared 78.6-98.7%.nucleotide identity with previously published Egyptian sequences. In comparison with the GI.1a Giza2006 vaccine strain, the three isolates exhibited divergence ranging from 4.5 to 17.4% at the amino acid level. Approximately 55.5-87.5% of the amino acid substitutions were located in the P2 subdomain of the VP60 capsid protein which contains the main determinants of antigenicity and cellular recognition. In conclusion, our results provide crucial evidence for the co-circulation of RHDV GI.1 and GI.2 genotypes in Egypt and highlight the antigenic diversity among vaccine and field strains. Therefore, new effective vaccines are urgently required to counter the spread of GI.1 and GI.2 genotypes in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad Al-Ebshahy
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Osama Abas
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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8
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O'Toole AD, Mohamed FM, Zhang J, Brown CC. Early pathogenesis in rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2. Microb Pathog 2022; 173:105814. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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9
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Kovach AI, Cheeseman AE, Cohen JB, Rittenhouse CD, Whipps CM. Separating Proactive Conservation from Species Listing Decisions. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 70:710-729. [PMID: 36100759 PMCID: PMC9470069 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-022-01713-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Proactive Conservation is a paradigm of natural resource management in the United States that encourages voluntary, collaborative efforts to restore species before they need to be protected through government regulations. This paradigm is widely used to conserve at-risk species today, and when used in conjunction with the Policy for Evaluation of Conservation Efforts (PECE), it allows for successful conservation actions to preclude listing of species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Despite the popularity of this paradigm, and recent flagship examples of its use (e.g., greater sage grouse, Centrocercus urophasianus), critical assessments of the outcomes of Proactive Conservation are lacking from the standpoint of species status and recovery metrics. Here, we provide such an evaluation, using the New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis), heralded as a success of Proactive Conservation efforts in the northeastern United States, as a case study. We review the history and current status of the species, based on the state of the science, in the context of the Conservation Initiative, and the 2015 PECE decision not to the list the species under the ESA. In addition to the impacts of the PECE decision on the New England cottontail conservation specifically, our review also evaluates the benefits and limits of the Proactive Conservation paradigm more broadly, and we make recommendations for its role in relation to ESA implementation for the future of at-risk species management. We find that the status and assurances for recovery under the PECE policy, presented at the time of the New England cottontail listing decision, were overly optimistic, and the status of the species has worsened in subsequent years. We suggest that use of PECE to avoid listing may occur because of the perception of the ESA as a punitive law and a misconception that it is a failure, although very few listed species have gone extinct. Redefining recovery to decouple it from delisting and instead link it to probability of persistence under recommended conservation measures would remove some of the stigma of listing, and it would strengthen the role of Species Status Assessments in endangered species conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne I Kovach
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA.
| | - Amanda E Cheeseman
- South Dakota State University, Natural Resource Management, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Jonathan B Cohen
- Department of Environmental Biology, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Chadwick D Rittenhouse
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Connecticut, Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Center, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Christopher M Whipps
- Department of Environmental Biology, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, USA
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10
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Jennings-Gaines JE, Luukkonen KL, Robbins KM, Edwards WH, Vogt NA, Vogt AA, Allen SE. Utilizing blood filter paper and ear punch samples for the detection of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 by RT-rtPCR. J Vet Diagn Invest 2022; 34:835-841. [PMID: 35918905 PMCID: PMC9446290 DOI: 10.1177/10406387221116157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2), a virulent and contagious viral pathogen that affects wild and domestic lagomorph populations, was identified in Wyoming, USA in December 2020. A surveillance program was developed involving full-carcass submission and liver analysis, although carcass quality as a result of predation and decomposition impeded analysis. To increase the number of submissions and provide flexibility to field staff, we evaluated 2 sample types: 77 dried blood on filter paper samples, 66 ear punch samples. At initial sampling, test specificity and sensitivity of the RT-rtPCR utilizing dried blood on filter paper and ear punch samples were both 100% compared to liver. Filter paper results were consistent over time; sensitivity stayed >96% through weeks 2, 4, and 6, with a maximum mean difference of 6.0 Ct from baseline liver Ct values (95% CI: 5.0-7.3) at 6 wk. Test sensitivity of the ear punch sample at 1, 3, 5, and 7 wk post-sampling remained at 100%, with a maximum mean difference of 5.6 Ct from baseline liver Ct values (95% CI: 4.3-6.9) at 5 wk. Filter paper and ear punch samples were suitable alternatives to liver for RHDV2 surveillance in wild lagomorph populations. Alternative sampling options provide more flexibility to surveillance programs, increase testable submissions, and decrease exposure of field personnel to zoonotic disease agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katie L Luukkonen
- Wildlife Health Laboratory, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Kara M Robbins
- Wildlife Health Laboratory, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - William H Edwards
- Wildlife Health Laboratory, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Nadine A Vogt
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Adam A Vogt
- Independent researcher, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Samantha E Allen
- Veterinary Services, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Laramie, WY, USA.,Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
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11
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Monitoring of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus in European Wild Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Populations by PCR Analysis of Rabbit Fecal Pellets. J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:394-398. [PMID: 35113983 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are affected by rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD), which is caused by a lagovirus responsible for significant mortality in European wild rabbit populations. Our study aimed to evaluate the potential for detecting viral RNA by duplex real-time PCR in rabbit fecal pellets collected in the field, as a noninvasive method to monitor RHD virus circulation in wild populations. To do this, monthly discoveries of rabbits that died from RHD and detection of viral RNA in fecal pellets were recorded in two enclosed populations of wild rabbits throughout a year. The results suggested a low performance of this procedure to monitor viral infection incidence and a weak concordance with monthly discoveries of rabbits that died from RHD. This poor association was probably due to the low amount of viral RNA in feces, the prolonged time of excretion after infection, and that the number of rabbits found dead from RHD does not necessarily correlate with RHD incidence. Nevertheless, this procedure may be a complementary noninvasive method to assist in determining the presence of RHD viruses in populations. Additional research is needed to determine the suitability of this methodology to perform epidemiologic surveys on wild populations of European rabbits and, especially, other European or North American lagomorph species affected by lagoviruses.
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12
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Development and Evaluation of a Duplex Lateral Flow Assay for the Detection and Differentiation between Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus Lagovirus europaeus/GI.1 and /GI.2. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11030401. [PMID: 35336775 PMCID: PMC8945490 DOI: 10.3390/biology11030401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease is caused by a virus that affects the liver, the spleen and the lungs of rabbits, causing hepatitis, splenomegaly and haemorrhages. A new genotype of the virus was first reported in France in 2010 and has spread globally since then, replacing most of the circulating former viruses in many countries. The detection of the virus and the differentiation of both genotypes is of crucial importance for disease surveillance. In this article, a rapid test for antigen detection is described and evaluated, providing the first description of a quick and easy-to-use test that allows for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of the genotypes. A total of 136 samples, rabbit liver samples and liver exudates (liquid collected after freeze–thawing) classified as infected and non-infected, were analysed, with good results. These data confirm that the developed rapid test can be used as a reliable diagnostic test for disease surveillance, especially in farms and the field. Abstract Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2, recently named Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2) was first reported in France in 2010 and has spread globally since then, replacing most of the circulating former RHDV (genotype GI.1) in many countries. The detection and differentiation of both genotypes is of crucial importance for the surveillance of the disease. In this article, a duplex lateral flow assay (LFA) for antigen detection is described and evaluated, providing the first description of a quick and easy-to-use test that allows for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of RHDV genotypes GI.1 and GI.2. A panel of GI.1- or GI.2-infected and non-infected rabbit liver samples and liver exudates (136 samples) was analysed, obtaining a total sensitivity of 94.4% and specificity of 100%. These data confirm that the developed duplex LFA can be used as a reliable diagnostic test for RHD surveillance, especially in farms and the field.
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13
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Byrne AW, Marnell F, Barrett D, Reid N, Hanna REB, McElroy MC, Casey M. Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2; GI.2) in Ireland Focusing on Wild Irish Hares (Lepus timidus hibernicus): An Overview of the First Outbreaks and Contextual Review. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030288. [PMID: 35335613 PMCID: PMC8953227 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2; GI.2) is a pathogenic lagovirus that emerged in 2010, and which now has a global distribution. Outbreaks have been associated with local population declines in several lagomorph species, due to rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD)-associated mortality raising concerns for its potential negative impact on threatened or vulnerable wild populations. The Irish hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) is endemic to Ireland, and is of conservation interest. The first cases of RHDV2 in Ireland were reported in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in 2016, soon followed by the first known case in a wild rabbit also in 2016, from a population reported to be experiencing high fatalities. During summer 2019, outbreaks in wild rabbits were confirmed in several locations throughout Ireland. Six cases of RHDV2 in wild hares were confirmed between July and November 2019, at four locations. Overall, 27 cases in wildlife were confirmed in 2019 on the island of Ireland, with a predominantly southern distribution. Passive surveillance suggests that the Irish hare is susceptible to lethal RHDV2 infection, and that spillover infection to hares is geographically widespread in eastern areas of Ireland at least, but there is a paucity of data on epidemiology and population impacts. A literature review on RHD impact in closely related Lepus species suggests that intraspecific transmission, spillover transmission, and variable mortality occur in hares, but there is variability in reported resistance to severe disease and mortality amongst species. Several key questions on the impact of the pathogen in Irish hares remain. Surveillance activities throughout the island of Ireland will be important in understanding the spread of infection in this novel host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W. Byrne
- One-Health Scientific Support Unit, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Agriculture House, D02 WK12 Dublin, Ireland;
- Correspondence: or
| | - Ferdia Marnell
- Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), D07 N7CV Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Damien Barrett
- One-Health Scientific Support Unit, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Agriculture House, D02 WK12 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Neil Reid
- Institute of Global Food Security (IGFS), School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK;
| | - Robert E. B. Hanna
- Veterinary Science Division (VSD), Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK;
| | - Máire C. McElroy
- Bacteriology and Parasitology Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Agriculture House, Backweston, W23 VW2C Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Mícheál Casey
- Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVL) Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Agriculture House, Backweston, W23 VW2C Dublin, Ireland;
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14
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Calvete C, Delacour S, Oropeza-Velasquez RV, Estrada R, Sarto MP, Iguacel L, Lucientes J, Calvo JH. Experimental Study of the Mechanical Transmission of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV2/b) by Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) and Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:350-354. [PMID: 34447999 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is caused by a lagovirus mainly affecting European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), although other European and North American lagomorph species are also susceptible to fatal infection by the new viral variant RHDV2/b. In the present work, direct mechanical transmission of the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV2/b variant) by the hematophagous Diptera Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) and the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) (Diptera: Psychodidae) was tested. For each species, six and three laboratory rabbits were exposed to bites of dipterous females partially fed on RHDV2/b viral suspension 2 h and 24 h prior to exposure, respectively. The rabbits were then monitored for clinical changes and mortality for 35 d, and seroconversion was assessed by indirect ELISA. No rabbit died or showed clinical signs of disease, and seroconversion was recorded in two rabbits challenged with P. papatasi females fed the viral suspension 2 h prior to exposure. The number of RHDV2/b RNA copies/female was higher in Ae. albopictus than in P. papatasi but the decrease over time of RNA load in Ae. albopictus was greater than that in P. papatasi. The results of this study suggest the inability of Ae. albopictus to serve as a direct mechanical vector of RHDV2/b, but sand flies could play a role in the local transmission of RHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Calvete
- Animal Production and Health Unit, Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Agrifood Institute of Aragon - IA2 (CITA-University of Zaragoza), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - S Delacour
- Agrifood Institute of Aragon - IA2 (CITA-University of Zaragoza), Zaragoza, Spain
- Animal Pathology Department, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - R Estrada
- Agrifood Institute of Aragon - IA2 (CITA-University of Zaragoza), Zaragoza, Spain
- Animal Pathology Department, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - M P Sarto
- Animal Production and Health Unit, Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - L Iguacel
- Animal Production and Health Unit, Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - J Lucientes
- Agrifood Institute of Aragon - IA2 (CITA-University of Zaragoza), Zaragoza, Spain
- Animal Pathology Department, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - J H Calvo
- Animal Production and Health Unit, Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Agrifood Institute of Aragon - IA2 (CITA-University of Zaragoza), Zaragoza, Spain
- ARAID, Zaragoza, Spain
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15
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Mahar JE, Jenckel M, Huang N, Smertina E, Holmes EC, Strive T, Hall RN. Frequent intergenotypic recombination between the non-structural and structural genes is a major driver of epidemiological fitness in caliciviruses. Virus Evol 2021; 7:veab080. [PMID: 34754513 PMCID: PMC8570162 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veab080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The diversity of lagoviruses (Caliciviridae) in Australia has increased considerably in recent years. By the end of 2017, five variants from three viral genotypes were present in populations of Australian rabbits, while prior to 2014 only two variants were known. To understand the evolutionary interactions among these lagovirus variants, we monitored their geographical distribution and relative incidence over time in a continental-scale competition study. Within 3 years of the incursion of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2, denoted genotype GI.1bP-GI.2 [polymerase genotype]P-[capsid genotype]) into Australia, two novel recombinant lagovirus variants emerged: RHDV2-4e (genotype GI.4eP-GI.2) in New South Wales and RHDV2-4c (genotype GI.4cP-GI.2) in Victoria. Although both novel recombinants contain non-structural genes related to those from benign, rabbit-specific, enterotropic viruses, these variants were recovered from the livers of both rabbits and hares that had died acutely. This suggests that the determinants of host and tissue tropism for lagoviruses are associated with the structural genes, and that tropism is intricately connected with pathogenicity. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the RHDV2-4c recombinant emerged independently on multiple occasions, with five distinct lineages observed. Both the new RHDV2-4e and -4c recombinant variants replaced the previous dominant parental RHDV2 (genotype GI.1bP-GI.2) in their respective geographical areas, despite sharing an identical or near-identical (i.e. single amino acid change) VP60 major capsid protein with the parental virus. This suggests that the observed replacement by these recombinants was not driven by antigenic variation in VP60, implicating the non-structural genes as key drivers of epidemiological fitness. Molecular clock estimates place the RHDV2-4e recombination event in early to mid-2015, while the five RHDV2-4c recombination events occurred from late 2015 through to early 2017. The emergence of at least six viable recombinant variants within a 2-year period highlights the high frequency of these events, detectable only through intensive surveillance, and demonstrates the importance of recombination in lagovirus evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackie E Mahar
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Maria Jenckel
- Health and Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Black Mountain, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Nina Huang
- Health and Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Black Mountain, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Elena Smertina
- Health and Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Black Mountain, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Edward C Holmes
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Tanja Strive
- Health and Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Black Mountain, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Robyn N Hall
- Health and Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Black Mountain, ACT 2601, Australia
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16
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Hall RN, King T, O’Connor TW, Read AJ, Vrankovic S, Piper M, Strive T. Passive Immunisation against RHDV2 Induces Protection against Disease but Not Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9101197. [PMID: 34696305 PMCID: PMC8537872 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is a lagovirus in the family Caliciviridae. The closely related Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV, termed RHDV1 throughout this manuscript for clarity) has been used extensively as a biocontrol agent in Australia since the mid-1990s to manage wild rabbit populations, a major economic and environmental pest species. Releasing RHDV1 into populations with a high proportion of rabbits less than 8–10 weeks of age leads to non-lethal infection in many of these young animals, with subsequent seroconversion and long-term immunity against reinfection. In contrast, RHDV2 causes lethal disease even in young rabbits, potentially offering substantial benefits for rabbit management programs over RHDV1. However, it is not clear how acquired resistance from maternal antibodies may influence immunity after RHDV2 infection. In this study, we assessed serological responses after RHDV2 challenge in young rabbits of three different ages (5-, 7-, or 9-weeks-old) that were passively immunised with either high- (titre of 2560 by RHDV IgG ELISA; 2.41 mg/mL total protein) or low- (titre of 160–640 by RHDV IgG ELISA; 1.41 mg/mL total protein) dose RHDV2 IgG to simulate maternal antibodies. All rabbits treated with a high dose and 75% of those treated with a low dose of RHDV2 IgG survived virus challenge. Surviving animals developed robust lagovirus-specific IgA, IgM, and IgG responses within 10 days post infection. These findings demonstrate that the protection against RHDV2 conferred by passive immunisation is not sterilising. Correspondingly, this suggests that the presence of maternal antibodies in wild rabbit populations may impede the effectiveness of RHDV2 as a biocontrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn N. Hall
- Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (T.K.); (T.S.)
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-6246-4245
| | - Tegan King
- Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (T.K.); (T.S.)
| | - Tiffany W. O’Connor
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia (A.J.R.); (S.V.)
| | - Andrew J. Read
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia (A.J.R.); (S.V.)
| | - Sylvia Vrankovic
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia (A.J.R.); (S.V.)
| | - Melissa Piper
- Agriculture & Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia;
| | - Tanja Strive
- Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (T.K.); (T.S.)
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
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17
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Asin J, Rejmanek D, Clifford DL, Mikolon AB, Henderson EE, Nyaoke AC, Macías-Rioseco M, Streitenberger N, Beingesser J, Woods LW, Lavazza A, Capucci L, Crossley B, Uzal FA. Early circulation of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus type 2 in domestic and wild lagomorphs in southern California, USA (2020-2021). Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e394-e405. [PMID: 34487612 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus type 2 (RHDV2) causes a severe systemic disease with hepatic necrosis. Differently from classic RHDV, which affects only European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), RHDV2 can affect many leporid species, including hares (Lepus spp.) and cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.). RHDV2 emerged in Europe in 2010 and spread worldwide. During the last 5 years, there have been multiple outbreaks in North America since the first known event in 2016 in Quebec, Canada, including several detections in British Columbia, Canada, between 2018 and 2019, Washington State and Ohio, USA, in 2018 and 2019, and New York, USA, in 2020. However, the most widespread outbreak commenced in March 2020 in the southwestern USA and Mexico. In California, RHDV2 spread widely across several southern counties between 2020 and 2021, and the aim of this study was to report and characterize these early events of viral incursion and circulation within the state. Domestic and wild lagomorphs (n = 81) collected between August 2020 and February 2021 in California with a suspicion of RHDV2 infection were tested by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR on the liver, and histology and immunohistochemistry for pan-lagovirus were performed on liver sections. In addition, whole genome sequencing from 12 cases was performed. During this period, 33/81 lagomorphs including 24/59 domestic rabbits (O. cuniculus), 3/16 desert cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus audubonii), and 6/6 black-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus californicus) tested positive. All RHDV2-positive animals had hepatic necrosis typical of pathogenic lagovirus infection, and the antigen was detected in sections from individuals of the three species. The 12 California sequences were closely related (98.9%-99.95%) to each other, and also very similar (99.0%-99.4%) to sequences obtained in other southwestern states during the 2020-2021 outbreak; however, they were less similar to strains obtained in New York in 2020 (96.7%-96.9%) and Quebec in 2016 (92.4%-92.6%), suggesting that those events could be related to different viral incursions. The California sequences were more similar (98.6%-98.7%) to a strain collected in British Columbia in 2018, which suggests that that event could have been related to the 2020 outbreak in the southwestern USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Asin
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino branch, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino, California, USA
| | - Daniel Rejmanek
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, Davis branch, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Deana L Clifford
- Wildlife Health Laboratory, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Rancho Cordova, California, USA
| | - Andrea B Mikolon
- California Department of Food and Agriculture, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Eileen E Henderson
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino branch, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino, California, USA
| | - Akinyi C Nyaoke
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino branch, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino, California, USA
| | - Melissa Macías-Rioseco
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, Tulare branch, University of California-Davis, Tulare, California, USA
| | - Nicolas Streitenberger
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino branch, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino, California, USA
| | - Juliann Beingesser
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino branch, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino, California, USA
| | - Leslie W Woods
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, Davis branch, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Antonio Lavazza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna and OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, Brescia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Capucci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna and OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, Brescia, Italy
| | - Beate Crossley
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, Davis branch, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino branch, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino, California, USA
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