Vaccinia viruses isolated from cutaneous disease in horses are highly virulent for rabbits

► Two Vaccinia virus (VACV) strains were recovered from horses. ► We describe the experimental pathogenesis of rabbits inoculated with these VACV. ► Rabbits were inoculated intranasally at low, medium and high viral doses of both strains. ► Rabbits developed severe respiratory and systemic changes, regardless viral strains. ► The changes were more intense in animals inoculated with medium and high viral dose.