Myxoma viruses are a family of viruses that belong to the genus Leporipoxvirus and are often called the myxoma virus family. They primarily infect rabbits and hares, causing a severe and often lethal disease known as myxomatosis. Myxoma viruses are large, enveloped DNA viruses characterized by their complex structure and unique host specificity.
The virus is transmitted by arthropod vectors, mainly mosquitoes, fleas, and mites, which act as carriers and successfully spread the virus from infected to susceptible host animals. Once the virus enters the body of a rabbit, it primarily targets the skin, reproductive organs, and lymphoid tissues, causing typical symptoms such as skin tumors, swelling, conjunctivitis, and immunosuppression.
Myxomatosis, caused by myxoma viruses, has been intentionally introduced to control rabbit populations in certain regions where rabbits have become a pest or invasive species. The aim of using myxoma viruses as biocontrol agents is to reduce the population size of rabbits and minimize their negative impact on the ecosystem.
However, the development of resistance to myxoma viruses over time has diminished the effectiveness of this method. Moreover, although myxomatosis is highly virulent in rabbits, the virus does not affect other mammalian species, including humans, making it relatively safe to handle in a laboratory environment.
In conclusion, myxoma viruses are a family of large, complex DNA viruses that primarily infect rabbits and cause a severe disease known as myxomatosis. They are transmitted by arthropod vectors and have been used as biocontrol agents to manage rabbit populations.
