Susceptibility of wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in the United Kingdom to rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD).
Adult wild rabbits from the southern UK, previously unexposed to rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD), were experimentally challenged with a UK strain of the virus in laboratory conditions. Initial serum antibodies were measured by an haemagglutination inhibition test and all seropositive rabbits, with reciprocal titres > 10, were protected against fatal infection. These results are consistent with the behaviour of laboratory and commercially bred rabbits in similar circumstances, and are relevant to consideration of the overall impact of RHD in wild populations.
Chasey
D
D
Central Veterinary Laboratory, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom.
Trout
R C
RC
Edwards
S
S
D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D017250:Caliciviridae Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D017929:Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, Rabbit / Q000472:pathogenicity; D011817:Rabbits; D006113:United Kingdom; D014774:Virulence
D000914:Antibodies, Viral