Antibody response of endangered riparian brush rabbits to vaccination against rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2

Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigations
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Abstract

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2; CaliciviridaeLagovirus europaeus), the cause of a highly transmissible and fatal lagomorph disease, has spread rapidly through the western United States and Mexico, resulting in substantial mortality in domestic and wild rabbits. The disease was first detected in California in May 2020, prompting an interagency/zoo/academia/nonprofit team to implement emergency conservation actions to protect endangered riparian brush rabbits (Sylvilagus bachmani riparius) from RHDV2. Prior to vaccinating wild rabbits, we conducted a vaccine safety trial by giving a single SC dose of Filavac VHD K C+V (Filavie) vaccine to 19 adult wild riparian brush rabbits captured and temporarily held in captivity. Rabbits were monitored for adverse effects, and serum was collected before vaccination, and at 7–10, 14–20, and 60 d post-vaccination. Sera were tested using an ELISA to determine antibody response and timing of seroconversion. Reverse-transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed on rectal swabs to evaluate infection status. No adverse effects from the vaccine were observed. Before vaccination, 18 of 19 rabbits were seronegative, and RHDV2 was not detected by RT-qPCR on any rectal swabs. After vaccination, all rabbits developed an antibody response, with titers of 1:10–1:160. Seroconversion generally occurred at 7–10 d. The duration of antibody response was ≥60 d in 12 of 13 rabbits. Sixteen animals were released and 4 were recaptured several months later, offering a glimpse into longer duration immune response. Our study has informed vaccination strategies for this species and serves as a model for protecting other vulnerable lagomorphs against RHDV2.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Antibody response of endangered riparian brush rabbits to vaccination against rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2
Series title Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigations
DOI 10.1177/10406387241267850
Volume 36
Issue 5
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher Sage
Contributing office(s) National Wildlife Health Center
Description 10 p.
First page 735
Last page 744
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge
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