New Variant of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, Portugal, 2012–2013

A real time Taqman RT-PCR for the detection of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2)

“…A comparable scenario was also observed in Spain [18]. Although both Oryctolagus cuniculus subspecies are equally affected by RHDV2 [15,18], the susceptibility of the subspecies O. cuniculus algirus acquires special importance considering its restricted distribution to southwest [15] and the dramatic implications of RHDV2 outbreaks on its frail conservation status [16,18]. O. cuniculus algirus is a key prey species for several carnivores, including the Iberian Lynx and the Iberian imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti), both emblematic and endangered species in Portugal, and a population downsize may lead to a series of major ecological and economic problems [19].…”

“…As a result, in 2015, the Iberian lynx species status was shifted to "Endangered" (EN), due to the increase of the populations in Spain. However, the RHDV2 emergence in Portugal in 2012 almost decimated the entire wild rabbit population in particular niches of mainland [15,16] and Azores [17]. A comparable scenario was also observed in Spain [18].…”

“…Since its first detection in Portugal in 2012 [15], RHD has been observed in some of those wild rabbit breeding units. However, to date, none of these past outbreaks were characterized and publically reported.…”

Tracking the Origin of a Rabbit Haemorrhagic Virus 2 Outbreak in a Wild Rabbit Breeding Centre in Portugal; Epidemiological and Genetic Investigation

“…As a result, in 2015, the Iberian lynx species status was shifted to "Endangered" (EN), due to the increase of the populations in Spain. However, the RHDV2 emergence in Portugal in 2012 almost decimated the entire wild rabbit population in particular niches of mainland [15,16] and Azores [17]. A comparable scenario was also observed in Spain [18].…”

Wild rabbit restocking: Suitable acclimation conditions foster adaptive behaviour and improve survival of captive reared rabbits

“…Two diseases, myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease, acting together with human-induced habitat changes (mainly intensification of agriculture, habitat loss and fragmentation) have accelerated the decline and even caused local extinction of rabbits in many regions (Moreno and Villafuerte, 1995;Moreno et al, 2007). After a few years of apparent population stabilisation, in 2013 an unusually high mortality was recorded in the Iberian Peninsula, which was attributed to a new variant of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (Abrantes et al, 2013). This new sort of virus, against which rabbits seem to have little or no natural defences, has been concerning both hunters and conservationists.…”