LAGMED - Improvement of preventive actions to emerging LAGoviruses in the MEDiterranean basin: development and optimisation of methodologies for pathogen detection and control

In the last 30 years, European rabbit populations have been decimated by the rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD). RHD is caused by the RHD virus (RHDV), a Lagovirus of the family Caliciviridae, which causes a fulminant hepatitis that leads to death within 48-72h. In rabbitries, the initial impact of RHD slowly abated over time as a consequence of efficient vaccination campaigns and other control measures. However, in 2010, a new variant of RHDV (GI.2), emerged in France with an unknown origin. GI.2 has been reported in Europe, Australia, America and Africa, and showed the relevant impact of this disease, particularly on the fragile equilibrium of the Mediterranean ecosystem. The main objective of this project is to monitor RHD epidemiology in the Mediterranean region and perform a genetic characterization of circulating strains to develop more accurate, rapid and sensitive diagnostic tools. Considering the dynamics of GI.2 strains, we expect to test and determine the most adequate biosecurity measures to contain the disease and prevent future outbreaks both in the field and in rabbit production systems. We will study RHDV-host interactions to understand the role of the rabbit immune system for further vaccine design. LAGMED is expected to contribute to develop effective preventive actions, capable to reduce the negative socio-economic impact of future GI.2 outbreaks or of newly emergent RHDV genotypes of unknown origin, and to endow stakeholders with the most effective management tools. This is especially relevant for African countries of the Mediterranean basin where rabbits are promoted for poverty reduction programmes.