European brown hare syndrome

Lagovirus europaeus
Virus classification
(unranked): Virus
Realm: Riboviria
Kingdom: Orthornavirae
Phylum: Pisuviricota
Class: Pisoniviricetes
Order: Picornavirales
Family: Caliciviridae
Genus: Lagovirus
Species:
Lagovirus europaeus
Synonyms
  • European brown hare syndrome virus
  • Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus
  • European brown hare virus

European brown hare syndrome (EBHS) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects hares and some cottontail rabbits, though it is most frequently found in the European hare (Lepus europaeus). It is caused by the lagovirus known as Lagovirus europaeus, formerly European brown hare syndrome virus.

The disease manifests clinically as liver damage, but most hares that contract the virus die within 2-7 days before clinical signs are visible, following a period of anorexia and depression.