Retrospective studies on rabbit haemorrhagic disease outbreaks caused by RHDV GI.2 virus on farms in France from 2013 to 2018

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is a critical health threat to the rabbit industry in Europe. In 2018, French adopted voluntary control plan against this disease. context, two epidemiological studies were conducted on RHD outbreaks that occurred between 2013 and 2018 France. The objectives describe spread of due new genotype RHDV GI.2 (rabbit virus GI.2) identify rearing factors influencing occurrence order guide prevention measures recommended plan. An analysis cases 295 farms 2017 showed 32% affected at least once; incidence increased 2016-2017 compared 2013-2015. Farms already 2013-2015 had higher risk being infected than those remained unaffected until 2015 (Relative Risk 95% Confident Interval 1.7 [1.1-2.7]). A case-control study carried out 2016 37 32 revealed variability biosecurity decontamination practices farms. tends be linked these practices, but certain structural (e.g. manure disposal system, transfer rabbits weaning) could also influence introduction into context limited vaccination coverage (only females are vaccinated), hypotheses will studied further, using information from outbreak monitoring system implemented same time as 2018.