Fluctuations in the titre of antibody to a soluble antigen of myxoma virus in field populations of rabbits,<i>Oryctolagus cuniculus</i>(L.), in Australia

Abstract

Results are presented on tests carried out over the past 5 years to measure the antibody titre of various rabbit populations to a soluble antigen of myxoma virus. In an unexpectedly high percentage of immune rabbits the antibody fell below measurable titres, and later rose to measurable titres without the advent of an observable epizootic of myxomatosis. The re-stimulation of the immune response is discussed in terms of re-infection and virus reactivation.