J. Barcena et al., Isolation of an attenuated myxoma virus field strain that can confer protection against myxomatosis on contacts of vaccinates, ARCH VIROL, 145(4), 2000, pp. 759-771
Twenty MV strains obtained from a survey of field strains currently circula
ting throughout Spain were analyzed for their virulence and horizontal spre
ading among rabbits by contact transmission. A virus strain with suitable c
haracteristics to be used as a potential vaccine against myxomatosis in wil
d rabbit populations was selected. Following inoculation, the selected MV s
train elicited high levels of MV specific antibodies and induced protection
of rabbits against a virulent MV challenge. Furthermore, the attenuated MV
was transmitted to 9 out of 16 uninoculated rabbits by contact, inducing p
rotection against myxomatosis.