Myxomatosis in the absence of vectors on the subantarctic islands of Kerguelen three decades after its introduction
Chapuis, J.L.; Chantal, J.; Bijlenga, G.
Comptes Rendus de l' Academie des Sciences Serie III, Sciences de la Vie 317(2): 174-182
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0764-4469 Accession: 002439223
Myxoma virus was introduced into the Kerguelen archipelago in 1955-1956. 30 years after its introduction, the virus is present in most areas inhabited by rabbits. Rabbit fleas and mosquitoes are absent from this group of islands and the disease is transmitted by contact. The timing of the beginning of new myxomatosis outbreaks, the absence of real epidemics as well as the higher percentage of infected males over females are specific observations suggestive of this mode of transmission.