Detection of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) in nonspecific vertebrate hosts sympatric to the European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

► Origin and intermediate hosts of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus are still unknown. ► For the first time the natural presence of RHDV in wild micromammals is reported. ► Identical and closely related RHDV strains are found in two mice species and rabbits. ► Cross-species infection, epidemiological and evolutionary implications are discussed.