The ABC's of the Relationship Of Rabbits, Caliciviruses and the United States
A. In 1932 an epidemic, that eventually effected 42 states, began in a herd of California pigs. The source of the infection was a Calicivirus, it‘s origin unknown. Through eradication the epidemic ended and the disease, VESV, (Vesicular Exanthema of Swine Virus) was declared a FAD, (Foreign Animal Disease), in 1959. This declaration made the disease agent federally reportable.B. In 1972 the origin of VESV is found. Scientists working off the coast of California found in Sea Lions, who were suffering spontaneous abortions, a virus that was indistinguishable from VESV. Federal officials were notified, as required by law. The virus VESV was found in wildlife, not livestock, so eradication was not an option. A decision was made to name the pathogen found infecting Sea Lions SMSV, (San Miguel Sea Lion Virus). Renaming it allowed regulatory agencies to ignore it’s presence.
C. Scientists begin charting the progression of this pathogen in land animals. They find Caliciviruses creating a variety of disease symptoms and progressing to new species, including primates, including rabbits. The original disease symptoms created by VESV in pigs was vesicular disease, (blistering). When SMSV/VESV is found, causing spontaneous abortions or diarrhea in pigs it is ignored by regulatory agencies. The reason given is the absence of blistering. The same holds true when creating respiratory disease or spontaneous abortions in cattle, though cattle with vesicular disease are not tested for Caliciviruses.
D. The European Union is formed. This entity creates strong competition for the United States. A countries economic strength is created through exports. If the European Union exports more goods than the US, it becomes stronger economically. The U.S. responds by strengthening the Pacific Rim trading opportunities. Trading with China and Australia therefore become important to U.S. economics.
E. The presence of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, BSE, commonly known as Mad Cow Disease, creates restrictions on meat products from many European countries. The outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in Europe and Asia augments this. U.S. meat products are seen as disease free by the world, leaving the U.S. in a strong position to export meat products. While placing restrictions on imports, few restrictions are placed on exports.
F. In 1984, RHD surfaces in China. It’s origins are unknown. Two theories are given. The first attributes it’s creation to the sudden mutation of a previously benign calicivirus into the deadliest virus on the planet. The second theorizes that a benign Calicivirus combines with another pathogen, probably Parvovirus. Neither theory identifies the benign Calicivirus thought to be responsible. Is it one of the Caliciviruses that are found in U.S. animals?
G. No restrictions are placed on imports from China. To do so would invite restrictions on U.S. exports of meat, and other goods, to China. In 1995 Australia "accidentally" releases RHD. In 1997 New Zealand farmers illegally release the virus. No restrictions are placed on either countries imports. Nor are restrictions placed on European countries where RHD is epidemic. To place restrictions on products being imported invites restrictions on exporting. Economically, the U.S. rabbit industry is expendable, the threat is ignored.
H. RHD surfaces in the U.S. The containment of the first outbreak is thorough. Federal and state officials see that the facilities are burned and a one year quarantine is placed on the site. The containment of the second outbreak is left to at least one of three of the farm owners. No long term quarantines are placed on at least one infected facility. The investigation of the third outbreak is not announced by the USDA. Questions regarding this outbreak and it’s source are left unanswered. This suggests, to long term observers of the politics of agriculture, that the U.S.D.A. has decided to curb efforts to keep the U.S. RHD free.
Summary
The presence of Caliciviruses in the U.S., and the threat of RHD are ignored to protect U.S. economic interests. Caliciviruses of all types remain in our environment, barely researched, mutating, moving to new species, changing disease symptoms. The threat they impose on rabbits are considered acceptable to the U.S.D.A. Is this the end of the story?
--Hazel Rah To The Black Rabbit From Watership Down, by Richard Adams ©1972
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