GI.1b/GI.1b/GI.2 recombinant rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2) in Morocco, Africa.

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is highly lethal to the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). It was first reported in 1984 in China, but in 2010, a new variant of the virus was detected (GI.2) in France. Several recombination events with pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains have been described. Here, we report the first sequences of RHDV in Africa, isolated from Moroccan rabbits, and these resemble GI.1b/GI.1b/GI.2 recombinants found in the Iberian Peninsula. Monitoring and characterization of strains from future outbreaks are advised to guarantee the success of current programs on small-rabbit production for poverty alleviation in African countries.