Viral Diseases of Wild, Pet and Farmed Rabbits
A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Viruses".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 36
Special Issue Editor
Interests: rabbit ecology; population dynamics; epidemiology; conservation; disease management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
In recent years, viral diseases affecting rabbits, such as rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHDV/RHDV2), have spread globally. They have impacted various lagomorph species, including hares, jackrabbits, and cottontails, beyond the European rabbit in which these viruses were first identified. New viruses continue to be recognized, resulting in an extensive list that includes myxoma viruses, lagoviruses, herpes viruses, rotaviruses, astroviruses, and Anelloviruses. While not all are pathogenic, it is noteworthy that RHDV and RHDV2 apparently emerged from non-pathogenic rabbit caliciviruses and that many can be easily transmitted among wild, pet, and farmed rabbits. Therefore, adopting a 'one health' approach to mitigate this issue is crucial. We must simultaneously address diseases in all rabbit populations, not just those on farms or in laboratories.
This special issue of Viruses will focus on the mechanisms involved in the transmission of rabbit viruses between wild, pet, and farmed rabbits; the economic and social impacts of disease spread; and innovative strategies for reducing risk through strategic vaccination, stringent hygiene practices, public education, and further research into virus prevalence and other epidemiological matters. A broad collaborative approach involving many disciplines, from veterinary science to sociology, is required.
Dr. Brian Cooke
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- virus spread
- economic impact
- social impact
- vaccination strategies
- improved hygiene
- risk management
- education
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