Vaccination Efficacies against Myxomatosis

Abstract

This literature review aims to consolidate the most recent scientific findings on the efficacies of different vaccination methods, vaccine strains, and protocols against myxomatosis used in rabbits. The scope of this research includes populations of wild, food-producing industrial, and companion pet rabbits. The review encompasses the pathophysiology of myxomatosis and the mechanisms and efficacies of different vaccines developed since the introduction of the myxoma virus in the 1950s. While occasional references are made to historical research, the main focus is on modern studies published within the last 30 years. Although some studies examine myxomatosis in conjunction with rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD), this review primarily focuses on myxomatosis. Conflicting results and controversial pitfalls in published studies are examined, and efforts are made to analyse discrepancies and identify potential gaps and areas of uncertainty for future research.