next-generation antivirals for the control of rabbit viral diseases: promising approaches and future directions

Rabbit viral diseases, particularly rabbit hemorrhagic disease (rhd) and myxomatosis have caused significant mortality in wild and domestic rabbit populations worldwide. these diseases are caused by rabbit hemorrhagic disease (rhdv) and the myxoma virus, respectively. traditional control strategies have relied on vaccination, biosecurity measures, and selective breeding for resistance. however, the rapid mutation of viral strains, such as the emergence of rhdv2, has presented challenges in achieving long-term immunity and effective disease control. in this context, developing and using next-generation antiviral therapies provide a promising alternative. new-generation antivirals, such as nucleoside analogs, small interfering rnas (sirnas), and crispr-cas9-based gene editing, offer targeted mechanisms of action with the potential to inhibit viral replication, reduce viral load, and mitigate disease severity. these therapies have demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models, showing promise in both prophylactic and therapeutic applications. for instance, sirnas can be designed to specifically target and degrade viral rna, while crispr-cas9 systems may be employed to disrupt viral genomes directly, preventing replication. moreover, broad-spectrum antivirals like favipiravir and remdesivir, initially developed for human viruses, are being explored for use against rabbit viral diseases due to their ability to inhibit rna-dependent rna polymerase (rdrp) enzymes. although these antiviral approaches are in the experimental stage for rabbits, early results suggest they could serve as adjuncts to vaccination or even standalone treatments in future disease outbreaks. the integration of these innovative antivirals into rabbit disease management holds great potential to reduce mortality, prevent the spread of resistant viral strains, and ensure the sustainability of rabbit populations. further research and clinical trials are necessary to validate their safety, efficacy, and practical applications in veterinary and wildlife settings.