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Changes in the virulence of myxoma virus strains in Britain

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2009

J. Ross
Affiliation:
M.A.F.F., Worplesdon Laboratory, Tangley Place, Worplesdon, Guildford, Surrey
M. F. Sanders
Affiliation:
M.A.F.F., Worplesdon Laboratory, Tangley Place, Worplesdon, Guildford, Surrey
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National surveys of the virulence of field strains of myxoma virus were carried out in 1975 (128 virus strains) and in 1981 (123 strains), using the virulence testing method employed in a similar survey in 1962. Results showed that the virulence of field strains had increased between 1962 and 1975, and again between 1975 and 1981. The increases in virulence are thought to be a result of the development of resistance to myxomatosis in wild rabbit populations. The effects of the changes in virulence and resistance are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1987

References

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