MEV: Viral Hemorrhagic Disease
 

Extremely contagious and lethal (morbidity and mortality close to 90%), this disease is endemic throughout the Mediterranean area but has spread throughout the . Viral Hemorrhagic Disease (MEV) is caused by a calicivirus called RHDV. 

This disease can occur in both adults and kits. Kits can receive a level of protection via maternal antibodies if the mother has either had exposure to the virus, or been vaccinated, however this isn't a guaranteed method of protection and vaccination must always be considered.

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MEV-2:

In the last decade, a new virus called RHDV-2 was isolated and found to be genetically different from the previous one. The disease manifested itself both in kits (2 - 3 weeks of age) and in adult animals vaccinated for MEV. 

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Species affected by MEV and MEV-2

MEV has its reservoir in a single wild host (Oryctolagus cuniculus), this is the only species susceptible to the disease along with our domestic rabbits. Conversely, MEV-2, caused by the RHDV-2 virus, is able to infect other lagomorphs.

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Transmission of the disease

Particularly resistant in the external environment, the virus can remain infectious for long periods (up to 3 months on carcasses).

Transmission between animals occurs via the following routes: oral, nasal, conjunctival, parenteral (through small wounds that become contaminated with the virus), bloodsucking insects (fleas, ticks, mosquitoes), animals that feed on carcasses such as birds, mammals, insects; inanimate carriers (food, clothing, shoes, equipment, cages, bowls, water, etc.).

 

Symptoms of MEV and MEV-2 in rabbits

Both the MEV and MEV-2 hemorrhagic diseases appear in hyperacute or acute forms. An incubation period of 1 or 3 days leads to the death of the animal within 12 hours. Symptoms, when visible, are: hyperthermia with fever over 40°C, anorexia, prostration, convulsions, paralysis, conjunctival discharge, difficulty in breathing (dyspnoea).