Effective Prevention and Control Strategies for Rabbit

Certainly! Here's a revised version of the text with enhanced clarity, precision, and a more engaging tone:

Section 1: Transmission Routes of Myxoma Virus in Rabbits

Rabbits are the sole susceptible hosts to the myxoma virus, with other animals and humans rarely affected by the disease. Domestic rabbits and European wild rabbits are most prone to myxoma virus, and the mortality rate for infected rabbits exceeds 95%. This makes the disease almost fatal for rabbits. American cottontail rabbits and European hares serve as primary hosts and carriers of the virus, though they often develop only a few benign, fibrous tumor lesions at the site of infection due to their stronger resistance. However, these tumors are rich in the virus, and insects like mosquitoes can mechanically transmit the disease, acting as the primary vectors.

Contact between healthy rabbits and those infected with myxoma virus, or exposure to contaminated feed, water, and equipment, can lead to transmission. However, direct contact is not the primary mode of spread. Most naturally occurring outbreaks are caused by arthropods, such as mosquitoes, which ingest the virus from infected rabbits and then transmit it to healthy rabbits during their blood meals. Aedes, Culex, Anopheles, rabbit fleas, and tabanids are all potential vectors. Studies have shown that the myxoma virus can survive in rabbit fleas for up to 105 days and overwinters in mosquitoes.

In the United States, Australia, and parts of Europe, mosquitoes are the primary vectors for the myxoma virus. In the UK, rabbit fleas are the main vectors, followed by mosquitoes. Due to the less seasonal nature of rabbit fleas, the spread of myxoma virus in the UK does not exhibit clear seasonal patterns.

Section 2: Symptoms of Myxoma Virus in Rabbits

The clinical symptoms of myxoma virus infection can vary depending on the strain's virulence and the rabbit's breed susceptibility. Meat rabbits typically show symptoms two days after infection, starting with conjunctivitis. This is followed by widespread swelling of the head, affecting the ears, nose, mouth, and submandibular areas, leading to the characteristic "lion's head" appearance. Affected rabbits may also exhibit respiratory distress, head shaking, snorting, and a honking sound. Swelling can also occur in the anal and genital areas. As the disease progresses, the affected areas develop jellylike tumors, and both eyes may discharge mucopurulent secretions. Severe cases may see temperatures rise to 42°C. Rabbits infected with less virulent strains may exhibit milder symptoms with less prominent tumors and lower mortality rates.

Section 3: Prevention and Control Measures for Myxoma Virus

Myxoma virus is highly contagious and has a high mortality rate, which can cause devastating losses to the rabbit farming industry. In China, where the disease has not yet appeared, the mortality rate for infected rabbits is 100%. It is crucial to take preventive measures from a biosafety perspective. Strictly prohibit the importation of rabbits and rabbit products from countries with myxoma virus. Isolate and observe introduced rabbits to prevent the introduction of the disease into the country.

The above information provides an overview of myxoma virus in rabbits. It is imperative for rabbit breeders and industry professionals to be vigilant when importing foreign rabbits, ensuring that the disease is not introduced into the domestic rabbit population.

This revised version aims to make the information more accessible and engaging for readers.