With Rabbit Haemorrhaogic Disease coming ever closer to the disease-free zone of North America, and considering the out-of-date and mis- information presented on this topic in the AB-WRSA (American Branch) newsletter (Vol.1 No.2), a report on the disease was prepared for the "Pan-American Rabbit Science Newsletter" (Vol.2 No.2). This up-to-date report covers the history of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) previously called "VHD" with its origins in China and its spread around the world, full details of the symptoms, some of the lab tests for confirmation, a report on the pathogenesis of the disease showing its progress through the affected organs, a physical description of the virus, a review of some of the vaccination processes and a discussion of policy issues since this is a notifiable disease, with notes on how control was handled in several countries. Some highlights of the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) regulations are given. A letter from the Minister of Agriculture for Canada outlines the control policy for Canada and the USA. In conclusion, recommendations are provided for rabbit raisers regarding various issues of prevention and control of the disease.

To obtain copies of this most informative December 1997 issue
of Pan-American Rabbit Science Newsletter, or to subscribe
to Pan-American Rabbit Science Newsletter, contact:

Robert A. McCroskey (Bob)
9043 184th Street, Surrey
B.C., Canada V4N 3T7
Tel: 604 882 1278
Fax: 604 882 2030
email:
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http://www.uniserve.com/pan-am/home.htm/
Pan-American Rabbit Science Newsletter.
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