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Myxomatosis on the Western Plains of Victoria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

F. G. Tighe ,
J. W. Edmonds ,
I. F. Nolan ,
Rosamond C. H. Shepherd  and
A. Gocs
F. G. Tighe
Affiliation:
Keith Turnbull Research Institute, Vermin and Noxious Weeds Destruction Board, Department of Crown Lands and Survey, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia
J. W. Edmonds
Affiliation:
Keith Turnbull Research Institute, Vermin and Noxious Weeds Destruction Board, Department of Crown Lands and Survey, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia
I. F. Nolan
Affiliation:
Keith Turnbull Research Institute, Vermin and Noxious Weeds Destruction Board, Department of Crown Lands and Survey, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia
Rosamond C. H. Shepherd
Affiliation:
Keith Turnbull Research Institute, Vermin and Noxious Weeds Destruction Board, Department of Crown Lands and Survey, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia
A. Gocs
Affiliation:
Keith Turnbull Research Institute, Vermin and Noxious Weeds Destruction Board, Department of Crown Lands and Survey, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia
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Summary

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Myxomatosis on the Western Plains is an enzootic disease in contrast with the epizootic pattern which is general in eastern Australia. The most unusual aspects are the presence of significant numbers of diseased rabbits throughout the winter and the continuously low percentage of rabbits with antibodies to myxoma virus.

Climatic and topographic conditions are unsuited to the production of the high densities of mosquitoes necessary for widespread epizootics. Under these conditions the effects of less efficient methods of myxomatosis transmission are apparent. The unusual epidemiology of myxomatosis has resulted in selection for virulence of the virus similar to that which has occurred under summer epizootic conditions. All field strains are now in the mid range of virulence.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Hygiene , Volume 79 , Issue 2 , October 1977 , pp. 209 - 217
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1977

References

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