Laboratory analysis is currently required to determine if rabbits have had RHDV or other lagoviruses (diseases of rabbits and hares). A Rapid Antigen Test suitable for field application would be a valuable tool to track viruses and to help land managers make timely, informed decisions about the application of biocides like RHDV-K5.
Funding from Foundation for Rabbit-Free Australia has helped a research team at Griffith University make significant advances in understanding viruses of lagomorphs (rabbits and hares). Led by Dr Grant Hansman the team discovered more about virus binding sites and developed new techniques and components for the production of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to detect the presence of lagomorph viruses. The project is an important step toward having RATs to detect forms of RHDV in wild rabbits, enabling better use of biocontrols. A final report from the project is available here.