Animal virus

[4] Different viruses can infect all the organs and tissues of the body and the outcomes range from mild or no symptoms, to life-threatening diseases.

[9] Jersey and Guernsey breeds of cattle are particularly susceptible to pox viruses, with symptoms characterised by widespread, unsightly skin lesions.

[10] The virus was deliberately released in Australia in 1950, in an attempt to control the exponentially growing rabbit population.

[17] Large outbreaks of the disease were recorded among the seal populations of Lake Baikal and along the shores of the Baltic and North Sea.

The infection resembled canine distemper; the animals died within two weeks of respiratory distress and many aborted pups were seen.

At least nine types of rhabdovirus cause economically important diseases in species including salmon, pike, perch, sea bass, carp and cod.

The hemolymph of invertebrates contains many soluble defence molecules, such as hemocyanins, lectins, and proteins, which protect these animals against invaders.

[28] Like all invertebrates, the honey bee (Apis mellifera) is susceptible to many viral infections,[29] and their numbers have dramatically declined around the world.

[32] The virus causes stunted wings and as a result, the infected bees are unable to leave the hive and forage for nectar.

Bees are crucial to the survival of humans, along with producing honey, they pollinate plants that contribute up to one third of the food we eat, and their dramatic decline is a grave concern.

A baculovirus of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) makes their caterpillars climb to the tops of trees where they die.