Myxomatosis: The transmission of a highly virulent strain of myxoma virus by the European rabbit flea Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Dale) in the Mallee region of Victoria

Abstract

The European rabbit flea Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Dale) was introduced into Australia to act as a vector of myxoma virus. It was first released in the semi-arid Mallee region of Victoria in 1970 where epizootics caused by field strains of myxoma virus occur each summer. Introductions of the readily identified Lausanne strain were made annually following the release of the flea. The introductions were successful and the strain persisted for up to 16 weeks despite competition from field strains. The Lausanne strain is more readily spread by fleas than the Glenfield strain which has been widely used in rabbit control. The ability of the Lausanne strain to persist and its effective transmission compared with the Glenfield strain may be due in part to the more florid symptoms of the disease. © 1977, Cambridge University Press. All rights reserved.