Notes on the Comparative Reproductive-Biology and the Laboratory Breeding of the Rabbit Flea Xenopsylla-Cunicularis Smit (Siphonaptera, Pulicidae)

Cooke, BD

doi:10.1071/zo9900527

Cited by 17 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…The Spanish rabbit flea, Xenopsylla cunicularis , was also brought into Australia and released in 1991 to aid transmission of myxomatosis in arid areas (Cooke 1990). Although it is not known if this species can transmit T. nabiasi , it is also an unlikely route for introduction of trypanosomes, because pupae were imported to found the colony and were eventually released into the wild (Cooke 1995).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The inadvertent introduction into Australia of Trypanosoma nabiasi, the trypanosome of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and its potential for biocontrol

et al. 2005

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Wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Australia are the descendents of 24 animals from England released in 1859. We surveyed rabbits and rabbit fleas (Spilopsyllus cuniculi) in Australia for the presence of trypanosomes using parasitological and PCR-based methods. Trypanosomes were detected in blood from the European rabbits by microscopy, and PCR using trypanosome-specific small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene primers and those in rabbit fleas by PCR. This is the first record of trypanosomes from rabbits in Australia. We identified these Australian rabbit trypanosomes as Trypanosoma nabiasi, the trypanosome of the European rabbit, by comparison of morphology and SSU rRNA gene sequences of Australian and European rabbit trypanosomes. Phylogenetic analysis places T. nabiasi in a clade with rodent trypanosomes in the subgenus Herpetosoma and their common link appears to be transmission by fleas. Despite the strict host specificity of trypanosomes in this clade, phylogenies presented here suggest that they have not strictly cospeciated with their vertebrate hosts. We suggest that T. nabiasi was inadvertently introduced into Australia in the 1960s in its flea vector Spilopsyllus cuniculi, which was deliberately introduced as a potential vector of the myxoma virus. In view of the environmental and economic damage caused by rabbits in Australia and other islands, the development of a virulent or genetically modified T. nabiasi should be considered to control rabbits.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The inadvertent introduction into Australia of Trypanosoma nabiasi, the trypanosome of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and its potential for biocontrol

et al. 2005

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“…While mosquitoes were initially the main vectors of MYXV in Australia, the virus was largely transmitted via fleas in Europe ( Spilopsyllus cuniculi and Xenopsylla cunicularis ) [67]. Both fleas were later introduced into Australia to boost MYXV transmission; however, S. cuniculi failed to survive in arid regions and the release of X. cunicularis co-occurred with the emergence of RHDV, so that its impact was difficult to assess.…”

Section: Parallel Evolution In Australia and Europementioning

confidence: 99%

Viral biocontrol: grand experiments in disease emergence and evolution

Giallonardo

Holmes

2015

Trends in Microbiology

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Although viral emergence is commonly associated with cross-species transmission, the processes and determinants of viral evolution in a novel host environment are poorly understood. We address key questions in virus emergence and evolution using data generated from two unique natural experiments: the deliberate release of myxoma virus (MYXV) and rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) as biological control (biocontrol) agents against the European rabbit in Australia, and which have been of enormous benefit to Australia’s ecosystem and agricultural industries. Notably, although virulence evolution in MYXV and RHDV followed different trajectories, a strongly parallel evolutionary process was observed in Australia and Europe. These biocontrol agents were also characterised by a lack of transmission to non-target host species, suggesting that there are major barriers to successful emergence.

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“…The fleas used in this study, Xenopsylla cunicularis, are specific parasites of wild rabbits in the occidental Mediterranean region. A laboratory colony has been maintained in culture since 1993, using the method described by Cooke (14). Adults were obtained from a wild rabbit shot in Zaragoza, Spain.…”

Section: Cells and Virusesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Horizontal Transmissible Protection against Myxomatosis and Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease by Using a Recombinant Myxoma Virus

Bárcena¹,

Morales²,

Vázquez³

et al. 2000

J Virol

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We have developed a new strategy for immunization of wild rabbit populations against myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) that uses recombinant viruses based on a naturally attenuated field strain of myxoma virus (MV). The recombinant viruses expressed the RHDV major capsid protein (VP60) including a linear epitope tag from the transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) nucleoprotein. Following inoculation, the recombinant viruses induced specific antibody responses against MV, RHDV, and the TGEV tag. Immunization of wild rabbits by the subcutaneous and oral routes conferred protection against virulent RHDV and MV challenges. The recombinant viruses showed a limited horizontal transmission capacity, either by direct contact or in a flea-mediated process, promoting immunization of contact uninoculated animals.

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Notes on the Comparative Reproductive-Biology and the Laboratory Breeding of the Rabbit Flea Xenopsylla-Cunicularis Smit (Siphonaptera, Pulicidae)

Cited by 17 publications

References 8 publications

The inadvertent introduction into Australia of Trypanosoma nabiasi, the trypanosome of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and its potential for biocontrol

The inadvertent introduction into Australia of Trypanosoma nabiasi, the trypanosome of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and its potential for biocontrol

Viral biocontrol: grand experiments in disease emergence and evolution

Horizontal Transmissible Protection against Myxomatosis and Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease by Using a Recombinant Myxoma Virus

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