Ziekteverwekker
EBHS is caused by infection with the EBHS virus (EBHSV). This virus is a Lagovirus belonging to the family Caliciviridae.
Besmetting dieren
EBHSV is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact between hares, as well as indirect contact via urine and droppings, or contaminated water, food, clothing, footwear, etc. Additionally, the virus can occur via mechanical transmission by insects (mosquitoes, flies) and can be spread through the feces of predators that have eaten an infected hare. The virus is highly resistant and can remain infectious in the field for 3–4 months.
Sources
Frölich, K., & Lavazza, A. (2008). European brown hare syndrome. In Lagomorph biology: evolution, ecology, and conservation (pp. 253-261). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg.