Posted: 23 June 2006
Rabbit virus set for release
Owners of rabbits should make sure their pets are vaccinated ahead of the release of the rabbit calicivirus in Northland next month.
Northland Regional Council Biosecurity Operations Supervisor Carl Cooper says the virus, which is used to control the spread of wild rabbits, will kill any pet rabbits as well but pet shops should be advising owners when they purchase their fluffy bunnies.
“A needle from the vet will give protection for life,” says Mr Cooper. Rabbits younger than 12 weeks are immune from the virus, but older rabbits are highly susceptible.
A consortium of regional councils, including the Northland Regional Council, gained approval from the Environmental Risk Management Authority to import the calicivirus which causes rabbit haemorrhagic disease, RHD, from New South Wales’ Department of Agriculture.
RHD, also known as calicivirus, is a naturally occurring virus in wild rabbits in Asia and Europe.
It was introduced to New Zealand illegally in 1997 and has spread widely, significantly reducing rabbit levels in many areas of the country. After the initial illegal release, the virus could be bought by public and much was released in Northland and still continues to kill in some places. However, there has been a resurgence in rabbit numbers.
The council consortium has developed a protocol to minimise risks. This requires rabbits to be targeted directly by introducing the disease on bait so that the chances of immunity developing is reduced.
Only specific regional council staff and licensed operators are involved.
Mr Cooper says parts of Northland still have pockets of existing calicivirus from the last release about 10 years ago, and the 10 imported vials will boost the infestation.
“We’re currently assessing areas where medium to heavy infestations have been reported to determine where it will be released.’’