A review of myxomatosis among rabbits in France

Myxomatosis is a poxvirus infection which was introduced into France in 1952, and spread throughout Europe, with major repercussions for populations of both wild and domestic rabbits. Since then, the disease has evolved and diverse epidemiological cycles are reported among wild rabbit populations, linked to interaction between vector populations, rabbits and the level of immunity acquired by these rabbits. Two forms of disease are encountered on rabbit farms. The first form, seen on intensive, enclosed premises, is characterised by an irregular cycle, low morbidity and slight mortality. Transmission is exclusively airborne. It appears that this form operates in a totally autonomous fashion. The second form is seen in traditional types of rabbit husbandry in hutches in the open air or protected by a roof. The clinical picture is similar to that of typical myxomatosis among wild rabbits with higher morbidity and mortality. Coincidence in space and time with outbreaks in wild rabbits leads to the suspicion that a winged vector is responsible for these outbreaks and that this form of domestic disease is the result of sylvatic myxomatosis. In both forms, the application of an adequate vaccination programme prevents outbreaks among domestic rabbits whereas no prophylactic measures have as yet proved efficacious among wild populations.