Rabbit Viral Diseases: Myxomatosis and Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease
摘要
Infectious diseases remain the major cause of morbidity and mortality in rabbits, causing significant losses in the industry, traditional rabbit husbandry and wildlife. In the industry, the two major viral threats, myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease, can be controlled mainly by vaccination and biosecurity measures. However, the relentless emergence of new viral variants poses an enduring risk to the prevention and control of infectious diseases. This chapter highlights the relevant aspects of both diseases in terms of aetiology, epidemiology, lesions and clinical signs, diagnosis and control. Although the main focus is on domestic rabbits of the genus Oryctolagus, infections in other rabbit and hare species are also discussed.