RHD first appeared in 1984 in the People's Republic of China.
Scientists cannot pinpoint its exact origins; however, it is
believed the disease emerged from a virulent calicivirus spreading
asymptomatically in European rabbit populations, particularly in
the German Democratic Republic. The Chinese outbreak was spread by
the angora rabbit, which had originated in Europe. Fourteen million
domesticated rabbits died within nine months in the outbreak.
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