Dr Cherry said he checked the number of months each group of people (non-exposed, lower-exposed, and
highly-exposed) was exposed to RCD. Then he compared it with the various bouts of symptoms of illness each person suffered a month.
His tests showed that those exposed to RCD were more likely to suffer illness, and he put these results and
his break-down in his submission to the Agriculture Ministry.
Diarrhea and gastro-intestinal symptoms affected 2.5 per cent of the non-exposed, compared with 6.1 per cent of the lower-exposed, and 7.6 per cent of those highly exposed.
Fever and influenza symptoms affected 6.1 per cent of the non-exposed, 18.1 per cent of the lower exposed,
and 19.1 per cent of the highly exposed. Rashes showed a similar pattern, 0.4 per cent of non-exposed,
0.68 per cent of lower exposed, and 0.71 per cent of highly exposed.
Total bouts of sickness affected 3.7 per cent of non-exposed, 11.4 per cent of lower-exposed and 13.1 per cent
of highly exposed.
Dr Cherry also looked at autopsy results from kiwis tested for the effects of RCD. One of the birds became very sick with reactions such as mild meningitis, hepatitis, and degeneration, indicating rabbit haemorrhagic disease.
He said there was an urgent need for full scientific debate on the virus.
He said RCD was, at best, a once only tool, and its risks were significantly great."
END
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