A Deadly and Particular Virus: An Overview of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) is an acute, highly contagious, and lethal virus has become an epidemic across the world, targeting domestic, livestock, and wild rabbits as well as many species of hares. RHDV was first reported in China in 1984, however, there is substantial evidence supporting the existence of a mutation from widespread non-pathogenic viruses. Currently, the strain RHDV2 is the most common in the US. Found in the genus Lagovirus and family Caliciviridae, RHDV is made of single-stranded RNA enclosed with an icosahedral capsid with two distinct sections: VP60 and VP10. The mortality rate of RHDV is 90-100% with rabbits dying on average 24-72 hours after the first signs of infection. RHDV impacts the ability of blood to clot and targets the liver specifically, prompting the liver cells to undergo apoptosis which creates lesions. As RHDV simultaneously spreads through contact to bodily fluid or fecal matter and is able to persist in the environment for about 90 days, controlling the virus involves biosecurity measures, slaughter of infected livestock rabbits, and vaccination developed through Medgene. Though studies are working to develop additional mechanisms for vaccination, there is no cure for RHDV.
BIOL 320, Cell Biology
Paul Allee
Womack 100
11:30 AM – Noon