4 | DISCUSSION
We provide evidence of rapid genetic changes over a single generation in wild H. rubra populations decimated by HaHV-1. Specifically, our GWAS identified SNP loci associated with virus exposure, many of which mapped to genes known to contribute to HaHV-1 immunity, herpes virus response pathways, and host-virus interactions in haliotids and other animal systems. These findings require experimental validation but point to rapid evolutionary changes in H. rubra fishing stocks impacted by disease, with stock recovery influenced by evolved resistance. This study highlights the pace at which selection can act to counter disease in wildlife communities by leading to an increased frequency of adaptive genotypes. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of future infectious diseases management in abalone fisheries and wildlife conservation more generally.