Enhancing RHD effectiveness
Project Leader: Dr Tanja Strive, CSIRO
Aim: To develop a better understanding of the interaction between RHDV and avirulent caliciviruses to help inform decisions on effective management options.
Project: 7.t.1
Project summary
There is a need to understand the epidemiology of and the interaction between RHDV and avirulent caliciviruses in selected rabbit populations. This knowledge will provide the basis for further assisting land managers in reducing damage caused by rabbits.
Earlier studies (see Review of RHD and RHD genetic resistance) have shown that RHD is generally more effective in arid regions and patchy or ineffective in wetter areas. This project investigates whether this is related to vector type and abundance, survival of the virus in wetter conditions, rabbit population dynamics, and/or the presence of other infectious agents.
The project will be carried out in four phases:
- developing a method for detection of lagomorph caliciviruses in rabbit faeces
- conducting a pilot study to determine the incidence of RHDV-like viruses in wild rabbit faeces in the field
- determining the influence of RHDV-like virus on the epidemiology of RHDV and
- providing advice to land managers.
Outcomes from this project include:
- production of a diagnostic test for avirulent rabbit caliciviruses in Australian rabbits
- characterisation of any avirulent calicivirus detected
- development of diagnostic tests that distinguish RHDV from avirulent caliciviruses in rabbits
- advice to land managers on the use of RHDV based on a knowledge of any interaction between avirulent rabbit caliciviruses and RHDV that would assist in reducing rabbit impacts
- gained knowledge of the epidemiology of avirulent rabbit caliciviruses in Australian rabbits.
Results from the epidemiological studies and animal inoculation experiments should determine for any particular study site whether or not avirulent caliciviruses are influencing the effectiveness of RHDV. If they are, then means to reduce this influence would be sought for example by imposing RHDV on the population using baits at a time when avirulent caliciviruses are having the least effect. Other strategies could be devised depending on the results of the study.
The project is complemented by an IA CRC-supported PhD project conducted by Maija Marsh. Her studies relate to transmission and effectiveness of RHDV infection in rabbit populations at different spatial scales.
The project outcomes directly relate to the RHD-Boost project, along with the development of strategic knowledge and application of best-practice management for rabbits, particularly regarding optimal RHD bait delivery.
Key achievements
- Discovery of a benign calicivirus identified in Australian wild rabbits. Its similarity to RHDV and ability to convey cross immunoprotection will have wide ranging impacts on rabbit management in areas where this new virus is present.
Key deliverables
- Development of techniques for detection of calicivirus in rabbit samples.
Project team
Dr Strive’s team includes Dr Greg Mutze of the South Australian Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation (SA DWLBC), Dr Glen Saunders of Industry and Investment NSW, and technical officers John Kovaliski (SA DWLBC) and John Wright (CSIRO). IA CRC-supported student Maija Marsh is also contributing to the outcomes of this work. The project receives support from Dr Brian Cooke and Steve McPhee of the Victorian Department of Primary Industries.
Project partners
CSIRO Entomology, Black Mountain Laboratories, Canberra,
SA Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation and NSW Industry and Investment, Australian Wool Innovation.
Further information
Strive T, Wright JD, Robinson AJ (2009) Identification and partial characterisation of a new lagovirus in Australian wild rabbits. Virology. 384(1): 97-105.
For further information, contact us.
