After deaths investigation of bunnies

New Bornavirus discovered in bunnies

02/19/2015

After three breeders of bunnies from Saxony-Anhalt died of encephalitis between 2011 and 2013, the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), together with the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI ) with high pressure for the cause. Investigations had indicated "a new bornavirus that may have been transmitted from the animals to their breeders".

Bunnies may be transmitters of the new bornavirus
The FLI will now approach the owners via breeders' associations to look for other possible cases of illness, said spokeswoman Elke Reinking on Thursday on the island of Riems opposite the news agency „dpa“. „It can not be ruled out that the diseases of the three bunny breeders could be caused by transmissions of the novel Bornavirus from infected animals. The transmission path is currently unknown, but bite or scratch injuries appear as a probable possibility“, informs the institute on its website.

The BNITM also conducts studies of nerve water and tissue samples in patients with brain inflammation of unknown cause. „Until further evidence is available, prevent direct contact with bunnies“, advise the experts. In addition, veterinarians should be contacted about sick or deceased bunnies, who may be able to initiate further investigations.

The FLI will also work with the BNITM to investigate whether the Bornavirus has been introduced with already infected croissants or whether infected animals have been infected in other species. (Ag)

Picture: Andrea Damm