Viral haemorrhagic disease of rabbits and human health

Abstract

Viral haemorrhagic disease of rabbits (VHD), a potential biological control for wild rabbits in Australia and New Zealand, escaped from quarantined field trials on Wardang Island and spread to the mainland of Australia in October 1995. This study looked for any evidence of infection or illness in people occupationally exposed to the virus. Two hundred and sixty-nine people were interviewed and 259 blood samples were collected. Exposures to VHD-infected rabbits ranged from nil to very high. No VHD antibodies were detected in any of the 259 sera when tested by VHD competitive enzyme immunoassay, which had been validated with 1013 VHDV-specific antibody negative sera. A questionnaire designed to elicit symptoms of disease in a range of organ systems found no significant differences between illness in those exposed and those not exposed to VHD, nor could an association be found between exposure and subsequent episodes of illness. The findings are consistent with the view that exposure to VHD is not associated with infection or disease in humans.

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease and the biological control of wild rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, in Australia and New Zealand

“…Following the receipt of submissions from the public early in January 1996, an environmental impact document was produced, followed by a detailed report under the Biological Control Act, in which all submissions from the public were considered. Having also received a document advising that no adverse effects on human health were expected (Carman et al 1998), ARMCANZ agreed unanimously to approve the release of RHDV. In September 1996, the virus was registered as a pest control agent under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act and quarantine restrictions were lifted.…”

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease

“…Since 1984, RHD has disseminated widely and has been reported in over 40 countries from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. [1][2][3][4] Disease RHD is caused by the Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV). RHDV is a member of the family Caliciviridae, genus Lagovirus, and is closely related but distinct from the European Brown Hare syndrome virus, which causes similar symptoms and disease as RHDV in hares.…”

“…As the maternal immunity declines at 2 months of age, the rabbits become susceptible to RHDV. [1][2][3] Three forms of the disease are recognized depending on past history of the disease in the affected rabbit population. A peracute form of the disease occurs in naïve rabbit populations.…”

“…In this form of the disease, affected rabbits are clinically ill, but many survive. [1][2][3] Several clinical signs have been observed in rabbits both experimentally infected with RHDV and those that were naturally infected (Fig 1). Not all clinical signs were present in every animal.…”

“…Liver enzymes also are expected to be elevated. 2,3 Typically, rabbits dying with RHD are in good body condition and have recently ingested food. RHD causes a severe diffuse necrotic hepatitis and disseminated intravascular coagulation.…”