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A series of mysterious deaths among British hares has been linked to a deadly virus that has reportedly surged among rabbit populations.
So far, two cases of type 2 rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHDV2) have been confirmed, one in Dorset and the other in Esbad, suggesting that it could already spread throughout the country.
If it spreads, the disease represents a new and significant danger for hares already threatened in the country.
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While RHDV2 normally only concerns rabbits, it is known to have been transmitted to brown hares in Italy, Spain, France and Australia.
Dr. Diana Bell, a biologist at the University of East Anglia, who is leading the investigation into the deaths of the British hare, said it was the first confirmed case in the UK.
Brown hare has dropped 80% over the last century, while closely related mountain hare populations have collapsed to 99% in parts of its range.
Changes in farming practices were blamed on the killing of creatures, while game wardens shot mountain hares on grouse barrens.
The decline of brown hares – originally British in Britain during the Iron Age – has been exacerbated in recent months as information began to flood mysterious waves of deaths across the country.
Some of these deaths have been attributed to myxomatosis, another deadly rabbit virus, and the two infections combined would put even more pressure on the remaining population.
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Richard Bowler
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"RHDV2 is one of many pathogens we detect in dead hares and it is too early to say what is currently the leading cause of death for this hare," said Dr. Bell, who released results in the newspaper. Veterinary record. "We continue to investigate other causes of death."
Dr. Bell praised the "tremendous response" of many members of the public who had reported cases of hares that were obviously sick or dead.
She urged people to continue reporting any sightings so that her team can understand what is behind the unusual disappearance of the hare.
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