Horizontal transmissible protection against myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease by using a recombinant myxoma virus

We have developed a new strategy for immunization of wild rabbit population s against myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease (REID) that uses recom binant viruses based on a naturally attenuated field strain of myxoma virus (MV). The recombinant viruses expressed the RHDV major capsid protein (VP6 0) including a linear epitope tag from the transmissible gastroenteritis vi rus (TGEV) nucleoprotein. Following inoculation, the recombinant viruses in duced specific antibody responses against MV, RHDV, and the TGEV tag. Immun ization of wild rabbits by the subcutaneous and oral routes conferred prote ction against virulent RHDV and MV challenges. The recombinant viruses show ed a limited horizontal transmission capacity, either bg direct contact or in a flea-mediated process, promoting immunization of contact uninoculated animals.